A praça e a cidade: um estudo sobre as praças centrais em Orlândia - SP

Abstract

Squares are the most notorious public spaces in the entire history of Brazilian cities since, in most cases, urban agglomerations have escaped expanding from these spaces. However, when observing the current situation of the squares, one notices the neglect and/or change in the uses that are made of them due to the new standards of life in a society that we have today. However, squares in small towns, especially those located in central areas, still play important roles in urban social life. Therefore, the objective of this monograph was to analyze the uses that are made in the three central squares of the city of Orlândia-SP, with specific approaches in the characterization of such uses concerning the subjects, age groups, days and times of use, in addition to the evaluation of the furniture presented in such squares. For such an evaluation, the standard geographical space analysis method by Milton Santos (1985) was adopted, consisting of four analytical categories: form, function, structure and process. In addition, a total of 75 opinion consultations were carried out with users of the squares, adding the opinion of visitors to our analyses. From this, it was possible to propose interventions to be carried out in such spaces to improve the uses that are made and/or increase new activities. Finally, after the interpretation, it was understood that the central squares in the city of Orlândia represent valuable spaces for socio-spatial practices, contrary to the trend of abandonment of public spaces that is verified today