THE SQUARE IN THE CONTEXT OF THE SMALL AND MEDIUM CITY: A STUDY ON THE APPROPRIATION OF THE PUBLIC SPACE

Abstract

This work had as general objective to identify the forms of appropriation of two squares, one being located in a small city and the other in a middle city. The squares object of study of this work, are: Square Aldevino Santiago (PAS) located in the Engenheiro Beltrão-PR and Square Napoleão Moreira da Silva Square (PNMS) in Maringá-PR. For this study, considered that these squares have similar characteristics, that is, they are located in the central region of the city, in commercial area, and have compatible physical structure. In order to reach the proposed objective, methodology was used in the bibliographical research to understand the concepts of small and medium-sized cities, public space and squares, and the fieldwork for quantitative and qualitative evaluation of spaces informal interviews with users. The results of the quantitative and qualitative evaluation classified the squares in good condition. Informal interviews with regulars found that PAS is more appropriate for the population, because they consider the place attractive and safe. On the PNMS, a good part of the interviewees indicated that they rarely attend it due to lack of attractiveness and safety. Thus, it was concluded with this research that for the chosen squares there are really differences of appropriation by the community. Thus, it may be said that the small city square is well-suited and still performs its social function (leisure and socialization) within the city, and the middle-city square is less and less appropriated by the community because of insecurity, lack of attractiveness of space, among others.