Geodesign Experiments in Areas of Social Vulnerability in the Iron Quadrangle, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Abstract

This paper presents and discusses the use of methodologies for shared and participatory planning through Geodesign, in areas of irregular occupation and social vulnerability in the urban areas of the Iron Quadrangle, Minas Gerais, Brazil. It is illustrated by the development of four case studies with varying degrees of complexity, participation, and impact as a support for opinion building or decision making. The work encompasses different applications of digital support platforms, from web-based to off-line, as well as their methodological variations, adopted according to the goals of each case study. They vary according to space, the profile of the participants (ages), technological platform, methodological steps, but they all share support for opinion making. We conclude by suggesting optimal methodological choices for different contexts of social vulnerability, regarding the evolution of urban planning processes. We argue in favor of Geodesign as a framework for the planning of irregular housing occupations, as it is flexible enough to deal with different scenarios.