Humanização do espaço público urbano

Abstract

This paper sought an understanding of the current topic, the accessibility in the cities. The aim is to understand what are the factors that influence the accessibility, highlighting the elements taken into the account when we design a space accessible to everyone. Focusing on improving the quality of public space, giving back the city to pedestrians. The goal is to realize how the urban public spaces can be designed with accessibility, sociability, comfort, and giving it a variety of uses keeping the user in mind, because it is intended for him. All the topics are meant to be applied and materialized in a project that will respond to a specific program. The humanization of these public spaces is currently the subject of many debates. Contemporary urbanism has seeked the human condition as an essential issue while projecting the spaces. Cities' growth has been so rampant, since the city is the scene of opportunities and the greatest economic engine. The relationship between public spaces and the people went through an evolutionary process. It was not until late twentieth century that public spaces were seen as meant to people. These days there is a greater concern in creating spaces that can be comfortable, pleasant, safe and accessible. Places who can be prepared for a larger number of users, including those with special needs. The urban areas have much to gain if they can conquer all kinds of people, regardless of their abilities. In a way that one can have a balanced community, where people are able to live in society and relate to other individuals. After a better theoretical understanding of the topic discussed, followed by the analysis of the place and later development of the project, which aims a social and physical regeneration of the place. In order to be an integral part of the city and enable the generation of new social dynamics.

Date of Award	2012
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	António da Silva Ferreira de Carvalho (Supervisor) & Gonçalo de Sousa Byrne (Co-Supervisor)