Transformations in the project of public open spaces: from the potential to the occupied ones. Mangabeira residencial district in João Pessoa - PB

Abstract

This project discusses the purpose and implementation of recreational public spaces, specially the squares, in community housing programs. More specifically, it approaches the occupation form of these spaces, which initial function was transformed by informal construction. This concern started with the knowledge of the almost inexistence of public open spaces at Mangabeira Community in Joao Pessoa, Paraiba, since these areas were occupied by informal commercial properties and housings, hindering the accomplishment of the initial project of a recreational space. The goal of this research project is to understand how these areas at the Mangabeira community, which were first destined to be recreational open public spaces, were occupied, analyzing the land use. This reveals the lack of priority given to implementing public open spaces and managing the community. Several factors contributed to the occupation of these areas, such as, the housing shortage, the financial situation of the population and the public authorities’ lack of interest in implementing and managing public open spaces, preventing the use of these recreational and social spaces as basic needs that complement the living conditions. The research, result of the Master degree dissertation presented to MDU/UFPE, in 2005, that analyzed three areas destined to be squares, presents here the transformations that happened in one of them, the “Vila Cristo Rei.”