ATOP the humped Corvocado mountain, the figure of Christ soars 30 meters high, emerging above the morning clouds. His arms outstretched.

This giant sculpture set 700 meters above sea level seems to gaze out far below. Beyond the green hills of tropical forest appears Rio de Janeiro. On that plain, hundreds of flat-roofed tall buildings are clumped from corner to corner, as though all planned in one go. Yes, this city, like other cities, is