Exploring Urban Regeneration Through Temporary Uses in Central São Paulo, Brazil

Abstract

In this chapter we examined three temporary urban interventions in Luz and Santa Ifigênia in São Paulo, Brazil, which were driven by local challenges. These neighbourhoods are centrally located with bustling commercial centres; however, they also experience endemic drug use and trafficking, trading of stolen goods, and widespread illegal occupation of buildings. A comparative qualitative analysis of the interventions revealed that while all aimed to improve social cohesion and capital, they each used different approaches, resulting in diverse outcomes. The Mungunzá Container Theatre and the CALGO Project, incorporating more sensitive design and placement of structures, were more successful than the Atende Emergency Care Units, a top-down, more utilitarian project. The Mungunzá Container Theatre was especially noteworthy as it used theatre to engage a range of users, from homeless people through to local residents and other visitors who would not otherwise come to this part of the city, thus contributing to transforming the perception of the place. This analysis illustrated how positive changes can result from temporary urbanism initiatives, particularly when these are inclusive and respectful the complexity of their context. In addition, the outcomes also suggested that larger-scale changes may occur when people are brought together through such initiatives.