The role of “Minha casa, minha vida” program in the cities building process: the configurational perspective

Abstract The analysis of the literature review defines the spatial fragmentation based on a patchwork pattern as one of the main features of the Brazilian urban fabric. Considering that the recent housing policy, by providing a significance resources to build houses in “Minha Casa, Minha Vida” Program (PMCMV), impacts substantially the Brazilian cities, by either expanding or consolidating the urban grid, this paper explores the relationship between the national housing policies associated with the PMCMV and the urban configuration. The research focus is morphological, according to the theoretical, methodological and technical approach offered by the Theory of the Social Logic of Space (Space Syntax), considering a comparative and exploratory perspective. The analysis are focused in the developments contracted in the “Fundo de Arrendamento Residencial – FAR” category, in 24 Brazilian capitals, aiming at discussing to what extent these real estate developments caused impact in the urban network, taking into account a relational perspective. The evaluated hypothesis is that the new areas developed by means of the PMCMV follow the same fragmentary tendency identified in the country´s major cities, stressing the socio-spatial segregation. Findings, however, have suggested a more heterogeneous situation, in both negative and positive ways: sometimes the developments help to better connect the urban grid.