The creation of tunnels and roads also opened the
western coastal stretch up to intense developments. During the 1970s the area
witnessed a vastly accelerated urbanization process, allowing large swathes of
the affluent population to relocate to the district of Barra da Tijuca as well
as further west to Recreio dos Bandeirantes, home to spectacular parks and
beaches. Large houses, condominiums, shopping malls and mansions began to
populate the western landscape, giving rise to the most moderns districts in the
city.
Starting in the 1990's, municipal powers have
continuously stimulated city-wide developments, fully mobilizing the urban and
ecological potential of the city, and promoting culture, leisure and sporting
activities. The beaches have been transformed into leisure spaces for sports and
activities such as musical performances and shows, while
museums and art
galleries have been revitalized and developed across the city. The general and
cultural revitalization of the city included hosting important sporting events,
such as the FIFA Soccer World Cup in 2014.