Socio-spatial transformations by the Pacifying Police Unit (UPP): the Vidigal favela, Rio de Janeiro

The article seeks to understand how sociopolitical strategies, which do not directly intervene in the physical space, imply a reordering of the built environment along with transformations of local social practices. The socio-spatial transformation processes triggered by the Pacification Police Unit (UPP) implementation in the Vidigal favela, in Rio de Janeiro city, are analyzed as a case study to review how the policy reinforces (or not) social exclusion and spatial segmentation dynamics to which the favelas have historically been subjected, identifying its ongoing consequences. Methodologically, this qualitative research is based on field observation, interviews (open and semi-structured), mental maps drawn up by residents, and official documents analysis to understand the physical-social conjuncture of Vidigal before and after the UPP. A cross-checking of information allowed the recognition of new qualitative values given to space objects, as well as the incorporation of new agents, elements and values from the arrival of the UPP. In general, ongoing processes of real estate valuation, commodification of the landscape, turistification, emergence of new social control devices of the residents, attraction of a new consumer market and social changes in the community were perceived.