A progressist entr'acte in the occupation of public space in the city of São Paulo

Abstract

The city of São Paulo has experienced a progressist entr’acte that confronted its roadway matrix and its history of public space denial by introducing public policies that have faced this actual status quo. In the brief period between 2013 and 2016, structuring policies and specific actions were implemented to dialogue with the contemporary paradigm in the production and occupation of public areas, idealizing a more inclusive and democratic city, activating the urban space for leisure, sport and culture. Another important pillar of this administration was characterized by the allocation of municipal public investments: facilities and major infrastructures were implemented in the neediest regions of the city, going against the historical countercurrent of investments in the expanded center. At the same time, the city has experienced an increasing and inflamed debate among social groups of various trends, often antagonistic, transforming the city into an arena of disputes, with each urban intervention being argued by a complex network of social and institutional actors with their respective interests, and the use (or non-use) of the public space considered a “prize” for these discussions, which took place in numerous rounds of democratic deliberation.