ABSTRACT
This chapter provides an overview of the Rio2016 Olympic Games insertion into the urban development of the city. It sums up the urbanistic plans implemented in the 20th century and the way that programs, plans and projects – a good share of them included in the Strategic Planning of Rio de Janeiro – have been carried out as a result of opportunities created by the Olympic Games. Besides the ambition of the country to host the games since the 1990s until it became a reality at the end of 2009, the text also presents the plans, pledges and achievements, in addition to the Games’ budget, and also considering its legacy.
The account points out less notorious aspects concerning the bidding and organization phases. Moreover, it presents the “before and after” periods, including previous bids for other sports mega-events. As for the legacy, it is likely that only some historical perspective may enable an adequate judgement about the meaning of this event. Hence, this text brings up elements that contribute to a more encompassing understanding of this meaning.
