The landscape beyond the parks

A sociocultural analysis of the Belém River and the urban process of Curitiba-PR

Abstract

Objective – We aim at demonstrating how the Belém River is effectively part of the landscape and sociocultural context of Curitiba, indicating new possibilities for considering this space today.
Methodology – To conduct this research, a qualitative approach was used, with a bibliographic review on the history and iconography of the Belém River in parallel with the urbanization of the city of Curitiba. Primary and secondary sources were used.
Originality/Relevance – The study aims to demonstrate the importance of more inclusive landscape management, taking urban waters into account, for the promotion of more sustainable cities. From this perspective, the landscape is not only a setting related to aesthetics, but also possesses emancipatory content, being the space of social and environmental relations that can lead to concrete changes in society.
Results – the term “ecological” has been used aesthetically, considering only the parks and not the urban rivers of the city of Curitiba, which indicates a fragmented vision of urban management.
Theoretical/Methodological Contributions – This study enabled us to understand how the Belém River underwent numerous transitions, revealing distinct geographies over time. Based on the theoretical and conceptual framework of cultural geography, the research demonstrated that, throughout the urbanization process, the river underwent significant changes both morphologically and culturally within the city.
Social and Environmental Contributions – brief history of the occupation of the city of Curitiba-PR in relation to the Belém River, as well as the potential of this space (and other urban water environments) to be truly considered fundamental parts of the contemporary city.