Uso e Apropriação de Espaços Livres Públicos: a compreensão da Praça João Lisboa e Largo do Carmo

Abstract

This Final Work Paper concern about the problematic of use and appropriation of public open spaces, focusing on the João Lisboa Square and the Largo do Carmo, located in the historic center of São Luis, Maranhão. In the Brazilian urban context, associated with economic, social and political factors, the dynamics of social relations in the urban space have changed, contributing to the privilege of privacy life and consequently to the deterioration of public open spaces, and accentuated the differences and social exclusion. In historic centers, this process manifests more severely and may cause disfigurement and projects changes, and consequently loss of their identity and historical value. However, it is noteworthy that these appropriations not always imply inadequacies. They can actually act as indicators of the needs and desires of the users, and help in the process of future intervention projects. The objective of this work is therefore to understand the dynamics of use and appropriation of the space where it’s located the João Lisboa Square and the Largo do Carmo, from a qualitative analysis of physical-spatial variables and variables related to users. It is expected that the results of this analysis may help in future interventions.