Ruling the Urban Block: a Discussion over Rio de Janeiro's New Master Plan Proposal Parameters.

The paper aims to analyse the parameters for dimensioning the urban block in the context of the ongoing debate over Rio de Janeiro's new Master Plan (PLC N°44/2021). The analysis focuses on three main points: (1) the definition of the block, (2) the discrepancies found in this regard in the land parcelling system, and (3) the limitations that gated communities impose on the parameterisation of the block. The paper briefly relates the role of the master plan in Brazilian urban policy. Next, it points out the arguments that emerged during the public hearings over the new proposed master plan regarding block sizing. Then, it analyses Rio's urban law framework and the literature regarding the city's road network, cul-de-sac structures and gated communities, supported by the blocks and the streets georeferenced maps available at the Rio's Municipality and the Open Street Maps platform. Finally, it discusses the analysis outcomes with the arguments that emerged during the public hearings regarding block sizing.