A revitalização do parque Solon de Lucena (João Pessoa-PB): usos, formas e significados

Abstract

In the present study, we have as general objective to analyze the uses, forms and meanings placed by the users of the Sólon de Lucena Park from the Revitalization undertaken in the space by the Municipality of João Pessoa-PB. In order to achieve this main objective, we analyze the conception, principles and actors involved in the project called "Revitalization and Modernization of the Sólon de Lucena Park (Lagoa)." We identified the design of the physical structures and the uses of this space after the Revitalization undertaken and the meaning of this process to their users. In addition, we seek to understand the uses of this space, the proposed changes in the area, the conception of its centrality as a stage of the most varied urban activities, the form of development that is intended for the city of implement the said project and also the conflicts involving Municipal Public Management and users - street vendors, street dwellers, prostitutes ... As a result, we have identified that the Revitalization of the Lagoa has allowed the resumption of a series of uses of space for decades, such as uses related to leisure and sports practices. Likewise, it has influenced the change of its characteristic users. Before this intervention, of a latent diversity: street vendors, beggars, street dwellers, bohemians, prostitutes, passers-by. After this process, we find that the characteristic public of the Lagoa began to be composed mainly by families. The present research starts from a critical understanding about the processes of revitalization, almost always imposed to the public spaces by characteristics that tend to stress, given the way in which they are usually conceived by new uses that conflict with the historical singularity of the place and its former users. The research is characterized by the qualitative approach of the data. Among the methodological instruments used, it is worth noting the direct observation, as a possibility to perceive materially the changes carried out in the place, as well as the technique of semi-structured interviews carried out with visitors from the Sólon de Lucena Park, merchants and residents; technicians of the Municipality of João Pessoa (PMJP) related to the Revitalization of this Park. We also use the use of photography as an analysis resource, with the perspective of understanding the extent to which this process redefines the uses, forms and meanings of the Lagoa for the city dwellers that relate to it.