Entre o habitar e o patrimônio: políticas de habitação social e reabilitação urbana no Centro Histórico de São Luís (1979-2021)

Abstract

Possessing a unique urban fabric, the city of São Luís stands out internationally as a World Heritage site. This distinction stems from a unique history on the island of Upaon-Açu, inhabited for over 6,000 years by indigenous peoples and subsequently invaded and colonized by the French, Dutch, and Portuguese. São Luís, which designated its Historic Center, inhabited by a predominantly black population since the late 19th century, as a heritage site, still faces numerous challenges in aligning preservation efforts with the maintenance and promotion of residential use. Consequently, this study examines the current context of integrating such housing into implemented rehabilitation programs, as well as resident perceptions, by analyzing past programs and projects that combined heritage preservation with social housing. The research draws on an extensive literature review regarding theories and concepts related to social housing and rehabilitation in São Luís’s Historic Center, alongside interviews with residents of housing projects developed in the area between 1979 and 2021. The findings highlight that the preservation and rehabilitation policies implemented were not fully effective, particularly regarding housing; the number of completed projects was low relative to the broad local demand for this type of use. Furthermore, the study emphasizes the residents' perspectives, specifically their assessments of program effectiveness and their lived experiences within this historically significant area, while also considering the associated advantages, challenges, and prospects for change