A configurational study of sociospatial segregation in Florianopolis’ Conurbation Area (ACF), Brazil

Abstract

In this paper, the relationships between socioeconomic inequality and the location of different socioeconomic strata in Florianopolis’ Conurbation Area (ACF) was examined. A multi-dimensional Socioeconomic Index based on the 2010 Brazilian Census data was beuilt and contrasted it with configurational properties of the grid using the Theory of Space Syntax and its main measures. Several recurring patterns were identified, both at the global and local levels. Results show that more privileged groups tend to occupy areas that are highly accessible. Despite higher global Choice averages, upper cohorts tend to avoid locating themselves directly on main streets or highways, preferring, instead, a more inwards oriented location in relation to the foreground network. That seems to express a strategy which balances relative isolation with easy access to the city center. On the other hand, lower cohorts are more often located along these streets, at least when they have characteristics of highways. At the local level, grid discontinuities and the prevention of mutual visibility are the main strategies used to separate two socioeconomic contrasting areas that, otherwise, are located near each other.

Keywords:
Socioeconomic inequality; Sociospatial segregation; Space syntax; Urban configuration; Socioeconomic index