Barra da Tijuca

Barra da Tijuca
—  borough  —
Aerial view
Nickname(s): Barra
Country	Brazil
State	Rio de Janeiro
Population
• Total	300,823

Barra da Tijuca (Brazilian Portuguese: [ˈbaʀɐ dɐ tiˈʒukɐ]) is a famous borough in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, located southwest of the city on the Atlantic Ocean. Barra is well known for its beaches, its uncountable lakes and rivers, and its highly Americanized lifestyle. Although representing only 4.7% of the city population and 13% of the total area of Rio de Janeiro, Barra is responsible for 30% of all tax collected in the city. Barra da Tijuca is classified as one of the most developed places in Brazil, with one of the highest HDI (0.970) in the country, as measured in the 2010 Brazil Census. Differently from the South Zone and Rio's Downtown, Barra da Tijuca, built only 30 years ago, follows the American standards with large boulevards creating the major transit axis. A mix of modernity, sustainability and nature create the newest side of the city of Rio de Janeiro. The borough's masterplan designed by Lúcio Costa, same urbanist of Brasília, creates a region filled with many gardens, shopping malls, apartment buildings and large mansions. In recent years, due to the development of the Brazilian economy, Barra has received more than 100,000 new residents and many companies' headquarters looking for a more modern address.

Barra da Tijuca is divided into eight municipal districts (officially neighbourhoods): Barra da Tijuca neighborhood, Recreio dos Bandeirantes, Vargem Pequena, Vargem Grande, Camorim, Grumari, Joá, and Itanhangá. Its total area is 165.59 km². Those born in Barra da Tijuca, or those who live there, are called Barristas. The neighborhood of Barra da Tijuca is the cultural, economic, and administrative center of the borough, and is believed to be the safest of Rio's upper-class neighborhoods due to its lack of favelas and plentiful private and public security. Barra da Tijuca neighborhood is well known for being the home of celebrities and soccer stars.

Barra, as it is popularly known, will host most of the venues of the 2016 Summer Olympics, which will be the first held in South America.

Demographic data indicates that the region is the fastest growing county in Rio: 98,851 in 1991, 174,353 in 2000, and 300,823 in 2010.

Etymology

The name Barra da Tijuca can be roughly translated as 'Swamp Sandbank'. Barra means port entrance or sandbank, and Tijuca is a word originally from the Tupi ty-yúc and means putrid water, mud, swamp, puddle, clay or clay-pit.

History

The region of Barra da Tijuca was originally a huge beach, with typical undergrowth sandbanks. The area, full of swamps and unsuitable for planting, remained unoccupied until the middle of the twentieth century, even though occasional groups of fishermen frequented the region.

In the year 1667, The region was given to religious Benedictines, who implanted devices only in the neighborhoods of Camorim Vargem Pequena, and Vargem Grande.

In 1900, the lands of Barra da Tijuca and Baixada Jacarepaguá were sold to the company Remedial Territorial Agricultural and SA, ESTA, which remains a large land owner in the area. The concentration of large tracts of land in the hands of a few was one of the causes of its late growth. Additionally is separated from the rest of the municipality by large, difficult-to-cross mountain ranges with peaks ranging from 800–1200 meters.

Development of the area took place initially on its two ends, in current Jardim Oceanico and in Recreio dos Bandeirantes. A bridge was then built by private initiative over the Tijuca Lagoon to serve the area's new inhabitants.

The hallmark of the early development of Barra da Tijuca, however, occurred in the administration of Governor Negrão de Lima, the former governor of the state of Guanabara, who commissioned Lúcio Costa, one of the region's urban designers. The plan for Barra in 1969 was similar the earlier one for Brasília. It was inspired by American urban planning style with wide boulevards and large open spaces, which definitely marked the beginning of the peculiar lifestyle of Barra.

In the 1970s the Lagoa-Barra highway was built, which allowed a greater development since it reduced the time to go to the South Zone of the city of Rio. At that same time, big planned condominiums which inspired "the new way of life", how it is commonly called, were developed in Barra, such as the condominiums Nova Ipanema and Novo Leblon.

In the 1990s, another large urban development that enabled better connection with the North Zone of Rio was the creation of the Yellow Line, an expressway linking Barra da Tijuca to the Galeão International Airport. Since then, the growth of Barra da Tijuca has been characterized by large inflows of people from all parts of the metropolitan region of Rio de Janeiro looking for the "paradise city".

Barra City's Project

During the 1980s, Barra da Tijuca experienced a population explosion, with virtually all the land along its boulevards occupied by large residential condominiums, parks, supermarkets, shopping malls, schools and hospitals. The avenues were widened and received traffic lights. At this time there was a movement for the emancipation of Barra into a city, but while those who voted for emancipation in a referendum were the majority, they were not enough.

There is still a bill in progress in the Legislative Assembly of Rio de Janeiro for the formation of a new Barra da Tijuca council from the region's districts (Barra, Recreio, Grumari, Vargem Pequena, Vargem Grande, Itanhangá, Joá e Camorim). The project, however, depends on the approval of the Federal Congressional bill PEC 13/03, which transfers to the states the power to legislate on this matter, as it was until 1996.

Lifestyle

Península's residential towers.

As the most recent region, built only about thirty years ago, Barra introduced a new concept of life in the country. A concept characterized by big luxury condominiums with an incredible leisure infrastructure (sports courts, pools, private groves and lakes, spas, gyms), all of that inside of the condominium for the use of its residents and guests. The "neighborhood-condos" as they were named have the idea of creating an exclusive neighborhood for its residents, making it possible for them to live a complete life without the need to leave the condominium. Beyond the whole entertainment offered, the condos also have a high security system to ensure the privacy and safety of its residents. The residential areas of Barra are also known as environmentally friendly.

The region is characterized by a car-culture, and is crossed by three main routes: the Avenue of the Americas - "Avenida das Américas" (main road in the region; it has approximately 21 km), "Avenida Ayrton Senna" (which connects the district of Barra and the Yellow Line, or 'Linha Amarela' highway) and "Avenida Lúcio Costa," formerly Sernambetiba Avenue, along the coast in a poo.

Most famous local areas

Barra da Tijuca.

Jardim Oceânico

Jardim Oceânico (Ocean Garden, in Portuguese) is a sub-district of Barra da Tijuca. Predominantly formed by three-story buildings, is an area similar to the South Zone of Rio de Janeiro.

Península

Peninsula marked Rio's residential history. Designed by a real state company, the original project consisted in the creation of a new neighborhood being environmentally friendly. However, due to the unexpected fast appreciation of the site, the project for the Península Barra (former name) changed from being a neighborhood to a massive private urban development complex, making the Península (which has the same size of Leblon's neighborhood) the newest and first eco-friendly urban development complex in Rio de Janeiro. Located in the heart of Barra, right behind the BarraShopping in an area surrounded by its own private lake (Península Bay) and a big leisure infrastructure, Península won the prize of the best urban development complex in Brazil. The complex which still has some towers under construction, will consist at its completion of: 62 residential towers, 2 business towers, a mini mall, 5 theme gardens and 2 big parks. Due to the huge success, the project became a parameter to many other urban developments in Barra. The real estate 'boom' in Rio right after the city was chosen for the 2016 Summer Olympic Games affected the prices in Península; researches show that the prices have increased up to 300%, making the square meter in Península one of the most expensive in the city of Rio de Janeiro. The complex considered by the 'cariocas' as one of the best family urban developments in the city is now one of the favorite places of the celebrities of Rede Globo.

Areas formed only by residential towers

• Alfa Barra
• Atlântico Sul
• Américas Park
• Barra Bali
• Barra Sul
• Barramares
• Blue
• Bosque Marapendi
• Cidade Jardim
• Golden Green
• Le Parc
• Mundo Novo
• Ocean Front
• Parque das Rosas
• Península
• RiO2
• Riserva Uno
• Riviera dei Fiori

Areas formed by houses and residential towers

• Beton / Jardim Barra Linda - Houses | Mansions | Apartments
• Mandala - Mansions | Apartments
• Nova Barra
• Nova Ipanema - Mansions | Apartments
• Novo Leblon - Mansions | Apartments
• Pedra de Itaúna
• Santa Mônica

Areas formed by houses

• Alphaville
• Cristal Lake
• Interlagos de Itaúna
• Jardim Clube da Barra
• Malibú
• Mansões
• Portinho de Massarú
• Porto dos Cabritos
• Quintas do Rio
• Rio-Mar Classic
• Santa Helena
• Wimblendom Park
• Village Marapendi
• Vivendas do Bosque
• Vivendas do Sol
• Laura do Marie
• Santa Bridgёt

Education

Several universities have a campus in the district, including Universidade Estácio de Sá, Pontifícia Universidade Católica, Universidade Gama Filho, Universidade Veiga de Almeida and Instituto Brasileiro de Mercado de Capitais. The district also has some of the best private schools in the city.

Shopping malls

New York City Center

The neighborhood of Barra is home to many fancy, modern and mega-malls, the most notable being the BarraShopping (the largest mall in South America with nearly 700 stores, restaurants, cinemas and bowling), the New York City Center, the Rio Design Barra and the 'Downtown'. There is still Village Mall, the most exclusive and upscale shopping in Rio de Janeiro. List of the most important malls:

• BarraShopping (Avenue of the Americas)
• Village Mall (Avenue of the Americas)
• New York City Center (Avenue of the Americas)
• Rio Design (Avenue of the Americas)
• Downtown (Avenue of the Americas)
• Via Parque Shopping (Ayrton Senna Avenue)
• Cittá América (Avenue of the Americas)
• Casa Shopping (Ayrton Senna Avenue)
• Barra Square (Avenue of the Americas)
• Barra Garden (Avenue of the Americas)
• Barra Point (Armando Lombardi's Avenue)
• Barra World (Avenue of the Americas)

Sign BarraShopping

Entertainment

There are many kinds of entertainment like, nightclubs, cinemas, restaurants, kart, bowling, beaches and more. However, Barra is well known for being the right place to have a night life. With many clubs filled with young good-looking boys and girls opened the whole night, Barra can feel even more Miami than Miami. Barra da Tijuca is the favorite place of the upper class Brazilian youth.

Gastronomy

Barra has not only architectural influences. The influence of the whole world, especially from Europe and Asia, can be easily found by the presence of restaurants of many different countries. The neighborhood has restaurants whose cuisines represent the countries of Italy, Japan, China, Portugal, Germany, Saudi Arabia, Australia, Finland, Austria, Spain, Mexico, France, India, Peru, Poland, Switzerland, Thailand,etc.

Transportation

There are 3 main avenues in Barra: Avenida das Américas (which connects almost the whole area of Barra), Avenida Ayrton Senna (former Avenida Alvorada, which connects Barra to Jacarepaguá neighbourhood) and Avenida Lúcio costa (former Avenida Sernambetiba, which passes alongside the beach). In all directions, the view includes lakes, mountains and the sea. The connection works of Barra with the rest of the urban network, transposing the Maciço da Tijuca (Lagoa-Barra highway and Via Amarela) are among the most expensive works already carried out in Rio, confirming the city's road transport choice. With a good transportation system, Barra, has many bus routes and in 2009, the Barra's subway line started to be built for the Rio Olympic Games in 2016.

Jacarepaguá Airport, an airport specialized in general aviation, is also located in the neighborhood.

Barra in sports

• The famous Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy Gracie Barra, takes its name and originated in Barra.
• The 2007 Pan American Games took place for the most part in Barra.
• Rio Olympics Games in 2016 will be partially held in Barra.
• The football (soccer) club Barra da Tijuca Futebol Clube derives its name from the region, and its headquarters are located in neighbouring Camorim.
• Three major Associations' headquarters are located in Barra da Tijuca: the Brazilian Football Confederation, the Brazilian Volleyball Confederation and Brazilian Olympic Committee.
• The Golden Green Golf Club provides three-par six-hole court greens open to outside players with illumination for night play. Itanhanga Golf Club is also nearby.
• Surf competitions, such as Rio Marathon Surf Internacional, Festival Petrobras de Surfe, Campeonato Velox Surf Amador and Circuito Petrobras are held in Barra. There are several surfing schools in the neighbourhood, an evidence of the popularity of this sport with the locals.
• The Aero Clube do Brasil provides parachuting experiences. The Rio Sport Center offers tennis courts to the public. Barrashopping and Barra Square are home to bowling alleys.
• There are several places where beach and court volleyball are practised. The Bernandinho's School is located in Barra.
• The numerous condos also offer several others sports courts exclusively for its residents.

The beach

The 18 km long beach is the largest Rio de Janeiro's beach. Barra's beach starts at Morro do Joá and ends at the Recreio dos Bandeirantes neighborhood, in Pontal de Sernambetiba, beyond Avenida Lúcio Costa. Most of its waters are clear and green, and have an uncommon wave formation. Barra da Tijuca beach is one of the most sought after beaches by surfers, windsurfers, bodyboarders, kitesurfers and fishing enthusiasts. There is also a cycling lane along the beach.

Curiosities

Cidade da Música.

• Barra has the largest convention center in South America, Riocentro.
• Largest beach in Rio de Janeiro.
• A new Rio de Janeiro concert room is being built in Barra da Tijuca, named Cidade da Música (Music City), inspired by the Cité de la Musique located at La Villette park, in Paris. The invited architect, Christian de Portzamparc, is the author of the original Cité de la Musique project. This music complex will be the largest one in America.
• About 20 shopping malls are located in the neighborhood.
• The largest shopping center in South America is BarraShopping.
• The Rio Olympics Games in 2016 will be partially held in Barra.
• Almost 30% (US$250 millions) of the total money collected by the municipal property tax in the city of Rio de Janeiro are from Barra (although the neighborhood only occupies 13% of the city's area).
• The TV network main production studio of Rede Globo are located in Barra. Rede Globo is currently the largest TV network in South America and the fourth (4th) largest in the world.
• Since the announcement of Rio de Janeiro as the city of the 2016 Summer Olympics Games, the properties of Barra already had an appreciation of 30%. Until 2016, another appreciation of 70% is expected.

Critics of the Old City

The influence from different countries is criticized by many citizens from the older areas of Rio de Janeiro, especially concerning the 88-foot-high replica of the Statue of Liberty in the New York City Center. Barra also has replicas of many international architectural icons like the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Tower Bridge of London, and the Eiffel Tower of Paris (all found in the Barra World Shopping Center). With such an international influence, Barra can be defined as having the Miami or Los Angeles lifestyle mixed with the abundance of international architectural icons as Las Vegas. While Rio's traditional neighborhoods recall Lisbon, Barcelona or Rome, the atmosphere in Barra da Tijuca is more like that of North American cities like Miami or Los Angeles. While that sort of thing may be common in the rest of South America, it has not always been so in Brazil. Brazilian traditional high society has had an ambivalent attitude toward the United States but adores all things European, especially French, which helps explain the profusion of luxury beachfront apartment buildings in neighborhoods of old Rio that have names like Cap Ferrat and Château d'Amboise or that honor French cultural icons like Mallarmé, Baudelaire and Degas. Although such influences from European countries are appreciated by the Brazilian traditional high society, to the "guardians" of the traditional values in Rio de Janeiro, similar blatant imitations of and homage to the United States (i.e., replica of the Statue of Liberty) in Barra come as an affront.

See also

• List of upscale shopping districts

References

• Much of the content of this article comes from the equivalent Portuguese-language Wikipedia article (retrieved August 19, 2005).

External links

• Barra da Tijuca 360° panorama
• Barra da Tijuca Guide
• Barra da Tijuca: O Concebido e o Realizado
• Barra Online
• A Barra da Tijuca que conheci at Pitoresco