An investigation of the urban form in Minas Gerais, Brazil

Abstract

This article aims the study of the urban form in Brazil and more specifically in the state of Minas Gerais, and is a development of work previously published on the subject field (reference, 2006, 2007, and 2014). A brief contextualization of studies performed in Brazil is followed by an examination of the state of Minas Gerais which draws on reports whose focus is the urban form and development. The article places emphasis on the morphological studies carried out at the School of Architecture at the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), whose tradition was inaugurated in the 1960s and has provided the inspiration and relevant practice for similar researches. Mainly the secondary sources, employing interdisciplinary approaches, providing the methodology used. In addition to this, the present study draws on the empirical experience of the authors accrued throughout their professional and academic trajectories. Finally, this research has hopefully enhanced understanding in the field with its emphasis on the importance of the landscape in the shaping of the urban form. Thus, the intention is to present and highlight the research items related to the evolution of the theoretical process and the application of morphological concepts developed in the Landscape Laboratory at UFMG since the start of the new millennium.