São Paulo

2022
archival print/dibond/white frame
46-59 inches, (edition 5 + 2 a.p.)

The Minhocão, officially known as the Elevado Presidente João Goulart, is an infrastructure project in São Paulo that is both beloved and controversial. This elevated highway, built in the 1970s, winds through the densely populated neighborhoods of the city center, uniquely influencing the urban dynamic.

The Minhocão (the “big worm”) was originally designed to alleviate São Paulo’s traffic. During the day, it functions as a major traffic artery, but in the evenings and on weekends, it is closed to vehicles and transforms into a vibrant public space.

The social and spatial impact of the Minhocão is complex. For many residents of the surrounding apartment buildings, the structure symbolizes noise pollution, air pollution, and a lack of privacy, as cars pass by just meters from their windows. At the same time, its repurposing as a recreational space has fostered a lively community of artists, skaters, and pedestrians who explore the city’s potential in innovative ways.

The Minhocão also raises questions about urban planning and the future of infrastructure in megacities. The controversy surrounding its potential demolition or transformation into a permanent park, inspired by projects like New York’s High Line, represents a broader debate about how cities should handle aging infrastructure in an era of growing attention to sustainability and livability.

The Minhocão is a fascinating example of how cities adapt to the needs of their residents and the demands of an ever-changing world.