The Lagoon > Occupation Process

Neighborhoods of Lagoa, Jardim Botânico, Gávea, Ipanema, Leblon, Vidigal, São Conrado and part of Barra da Tijuca, as we know today, were called Freguesia da Gávea. By the end of 19th century, Freguesia da Gávea started to accommodate textile factories, responsible for boosting population growth in the neighborhood. This change in the urban structure made Mayor Pereira Passos to complete sanitation works in Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, with noticeable signs of insalubrity in that time.
In the first quarter of the 20th century, current neighborhood of Lagoa was fairly urbanized, yet considering some previous landfill works on its truly beautiful margins. Its waters still extended to Humaitá and Marquês de São Vicente streets. In 1922, a nice avenue was built along its border - Epitácio Pessoa Avenue - in the honor of the President of the Republic, becoming the home of Rio de Janeiro's elite. And in 1926, the Brazilian Jockey Club was inaugurated (Moreira, 2003).
In early 50's, textile factories were closed, definitively ending neighborhood's industrial phase; existing favelas were removed and their residents relocated to housing settlements, such as Vila Kennedy and Cidade de Deus. Such areas were made available for urbanization, with a real state boom in the 70's facilitated by newly built Rebouças Tunnel connecting North and South zones. Extensive portions of land were landfilled by construction companies to build residential buildings without previous authorization from the City Hall, which favored drastic changes in the neighborhood's appearance.
Population settlement process markedly changed Lagoon's natural aspects. Successive landfills on its margins aggressively shrank the water surface. Drainage system was also significantly modified, as well as the canalization and correction of rivers, altering their contribution to the lagoon body.