In the 70’s, the problems caused by pollution, traffic and violence reached an unbearable level in Sao Paulo. Many wanted to leave the city, but could not because they were linked to Sao Paulo for professional reasons.

It then emerged that the concept of closed condominiums in Sao Paulo, to meet that portion of the population that wanted peace and a greater contact with nature. Thinking it, that two friends created Alphaville. And they were successful. However, the problem is that Alphaville was a very successful business, which has just become a problem, strengthening further the social apartheid here in Brazil.

The model of Alphaville is harshly criticized by experts in Urban Planning since it makes “private” spaces into “private”, as streets and squares. To enter these condominiums, you need the authorization of any resident, without this you will be barred in the entry. Yes, the neighborhood is completely closed, surrounded by very high walls, guarded by cameras and a private “police”.

Another problem is that it brings to real state speculation. Once a new Alphaville project is announced in some city, the values of the land near the area where the condominium will be built up to heights, often forcing residents to have to look for another place to live. Therefore, Alphaville has been turned into a synonym for segregation and social exclusion. The value of houses in Alphaville is USD 1 million and may exceed USD 10 million.

Many dream of living in these places, but the fact is that it is a place for “new rich”. That’s why there are so many “artists and celebrities” live in such places. In addition to the social problem caused by Alphaville, there is something pathetic in the air, because those who live there have a specific type of fetish, because these places are a copy of the American suburbs, it is like they were paying a fortune to live on Wisteria Lane!

The reality of these condominiums is a false reality, an illusion, because everything is artificial, even people who live there. Many of the people living in that area run by helicopters for the financial centers of Sao Paulo to work.

It is an attempt to escape from reality in which we live, as if it were possible to live in a “ideal” society , where everyone is rich, beautiful and blond. On second thought, that’s why American executives who live in Sao Paulo love living in these places. Unlike the Germans, which seek integrate themselves, the Americans isolate themselves in Sao Paulo. This profile of the executives was done by large multinational companies that help in adapting to its employees.

Personally, I criticize this model because the question of abandonment of entire areas within cities. Areas that could be revitalized and re-urbanized are completely abandoned and we all know what happens in such areas in major cities. Alphaville well as being synonymous with social exclusion, is a symptom of urban decay of big cities.

However, I would be unfair only to criticize because in Sao Paulo, the condo became so large that companies and universities are starting to install inthere, making a “new city” emerges. About 150 thousand people working and studying in the center of Alphaville. But, someone please correct me if I’m wrong, is the only case of a condo which has successfully overcome this type of social exclusion, as hundreds of “clean” companies began to be installed near the new neighborhood.

Finally, Alphaville is just one of many social contradictions that exist in Brazil, the country in which social apartheid is the rule.