Rio Unveils Praça Onze Maravilha to Raze Viaduct, Build Kéré-Designed Library

Overview

• The R$1.75 billion program targets the Sambódromo–Praça Onze corridor with 100% private funding through concessions, PPPs and urban instruments.
• City officials will submit the AEIU bill covering 2.5 million m² to the Municipal Chamber, with public hearings planned and a legislative vote expected only by mid-2026.
• The plan removes the Viaduto 31 de Março and adds a sunken roadway between Rua Frei Caneca and Salvador de Sá/Av. Presidente Vargas, alongside circulation upgrades near the Sambódromo.
• The 40,000 m² Biblioteca dos Saberes by Pritzker laureate Francis Kéré is slated for the Terreirão do Samba area, strengthening links to Pequena África and the Zumbi monument.
• Housing capacity remains unclear, with city materials citing either about 25,000 residences or 37,500 units over 25 years, while related cultural pieces include a single Park do Porto floating island and a Rio-África center planned for the former Pro Matre building by 2028.