The role of city centre in contemporary urban structure – the case of Porto Alegre, Brazil

Authors

  • Clarice Maraschin Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS)
  • Gilberto Flores Cabral Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS)

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.4013/arq.2014.102.02

Abstract

In the dynamics of urban transformation, city centres have gone through several stages, ranging from moments of strong growth, followed by decentralization processes, displacement of population and some activities, leading to subsequent revitalization strategies. This article discusses the role and importance of city centres in contemporary Brazilian cities, focusing on the empirical case of Porto Alegre (RS), Brazil. Initially the theoretical framework presents the socio-spatial transformations taking place in central districts, especially in the last forty years, pointing out some important theories and models to understand such processes. Then the paper addresses the city centre of Porto Alegre, presenting some relevant indicators to analyse its dynamics and vitality. The findings suggest the resilience and vitality of Porto Alegre city centre and also highlight some factors that might be contributing to such a situation.

Keywords: city centre, urban structure, vitality.

Author Biographies

Clarice Maraschin, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS)

Arquiteta, Doutora em Planejamento Urbano e Regional pelo PROPUR-UFRGS, Professora do Departamento de Urbanismo da FAU-UFRGS e do Programa de Pós-Graduação em Planejamento Urbano e Regional (PROPUR_UFRGS)

Gilberto Flores Cabral, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS)

Arquiteto, Mestre em Planejamento Urbano e Regional pelo PROPUR-UFRGS, Doutor em Hstória pela UFRGS, Professor do Departamento de Urbanismo da FAU-UFRGS

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Published

2015-01-29

How to Cite

Maraschin, C., & Cabral, G. F. (2015). The role of city centre in contemporary urban structure – the case of Porto Alegre, Brazil. Arquitetura Revista, 10(2), 59–69. https://doi.org/10.4013/arq.2014.102.02

Issue

Vol. 10 No. 2 (2014): Jul-Dec

Section

Articles

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