The future of leisure in a city in transformation: The case of Rio de Janeiro

In this work, we bring  the classical definition that associates the leisure to all that the individual does in the free time, after fulfilling his\hers obligations. Updating this definition in the context of Rio de Janeiro, we reflect on the current forms of recreation in a city where urban violence and the feeling of insecurity affect daily life, encompassing the forms and types of leisure in the city. We propose a case study of the city of Rio de Janeiro, which has a pattern of segregation and intense self-segregation, typical of few Brazilian cities, and forms of leisure that we consider 'tailored' to the context of a city undergoing profound social and environmental transformations. The Rio de Janeiro is, for all these reasons, a “city in transformation". We emphasize forms of recreation that occur in spaces as centers of consumption supposedly safe, large private condominiums, parks and gardens surrounded by railings, among others. The search for security seems to be the primary motivation for the choice of these spaces as places for leisure. The 'city on the move' is also the city of challenges. Rio de Janeiro is traditionally the scene of major international events, as the Conference of United Nations Rio + 20 (2012), is now becoming the host of major sporting events such asWorld Cup Soccer (2014) and the Olympic Games (2016). The main challenges are to improve the public transport system ground (as well as the civil aviation system) and restructure the public safety, as well as developing the city's potential for different forms of leisure.