From factories to future. The urban metamorphosis of the Mooca district in São Paulo

Journal title TERRITORIO
Author/s Tommaso Cigognetti, Lorenzo Terraroli
Publishing Year 2026 Issue 2025/112-113
Language English Pages 8 P. 91-98 File size 631 KB
DOI 10.3280/TR2025-112010
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This study investigates the urban mutations of the Mooca neighbourhood in São Paulo, a historical industrial district. Tracing its evolution from the 1950s to the present time, the research analyses eight representative case studies through historical cartography, aerial and contemporary photographs. To capture morphological and functional dynamics, a framework synthesizing the types of block mutations (conceived as both blockwide and partial transformations), their temporal sequence, and the overall was developed. By combining historical analysis with scenariobased “what if…?” questions, the study advances a multidimensional, futureoriented framework that elucidates Mooca’s past, present, and potential trajectories, offering insights for sustainable urban transformation.

Keywords: urban morphology; land use; São Paulo

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Tommaso Cigognetti, Lorenzo Terraroli, From factories to future. The urban metamorphosis of the Mooca district in São Paulo in "TERRITORIO" 112-113/2025, pp 91-98, DOI: 10.3280/TR2025-112010