in fact, asphalt was used exclusively to pave the formal neighborhoods, while favelas were left unpaved and with dirt-roads, creating for the first time a clearly visible and easily identifiable distinguishing point between the 'two cities' within the city.

in today's cultural, social and geographical discourse about the city of rio, asphalt stands as the counterpoint to the hills - asphalt is the term used to designate the city's official neighborhoods, but it also has a wider symbolic significance, relating to wealth, types of work and access to culture.

most of the divisions that exist between the asphalt and the hills are heavily ingrained, and to this day are at times reinforced by cycles of fear, prejudice and lack of meaningful communication and dialogue.