Public space and urban landscape in Araguaína, Tocantins

an observational approach

Abstract

Objective - To analyze the uses of public space in Araguaína, Tocantins, with a focus on the Via Lago Tourism and Business Complex, highlighting its relationship with the urban landscape and the recent context of modernization and economic growth of a medium-sized city in the Legal Amazon.

Methodology –Qualitative approach, of a basic nature and exploratory character, having as a methodological strategy the case study and the application of an observational script.

Originality/Relevance – The article presents the application of a script developed for the purpose of analyzing urban public spaces, allowing for the inference of critical considerations and empirical observations about public space in the contemporary city.

Results – It was found that the analyzed location, despite being a public space, is strongly directed towards private uses, as there is no incentive to remain in the location, the hours of use are controlled and directed towards commerce and paid leisure, as well as the existence of conflicts between the public that frequents the space and other private social agents, such as traders and cars that seem to have more space than pedestrians.

Theoretical/Methodological Contributions – This is a unique study that contributed to improving the observation plan adopted and providing a more critical analysis of the chosen methodological resource by identifying the main uses of public space and the conflicts that exist. The application of this methodology directly impacted the research results, and its application was therefore satisfactory.

Social and Environmental Contributions – This work presents significant contributions regarding the methodology of analysis and evaluation of public spaces as they can aggregate the various elements that the space contains, such as socio-spatial and environmental issues.