Consuming Landscapes: Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Gentrification in Rio de Janeiro

Abstract

This  article  analyzes  the  city  patrimonialization  process  of Rio de Janeiro as an intervention policy strategy for economic development and urban and the “cultural environment” sus- tainability. The case arises from an articulated plan for the protection and enhancement of the cultural landscape, the planning of public spaces and the international recomposition of identity and urban image of Rio. The methodology consis- ted of examination of dossiers, direct observation and the use of photographs to understand the socio-spatial changes. Rese- arch has shown how the orientation of interventions around cultural consumption and urban tourism practices has meant changes and conflicts around the landscape and counter-lan- dscape images, because of the adjustment of strategic plans for marketing orientation.