Informal appropriation in peripheral urban voids: an investigation in the city of Erechim-RS

Abstract

Issues linked to the process of urbanization in Latin America and Brazil are present at different scales of the city, such as exclusion and socio-spatial segregation. This article deals with some dimensions of socio-spatial inequality present in peripheral areas to understand the relations between space and society and the modes of informal social appropriation in peripheral urban voids in the city of Erechim-RS, revealing potential for inclusion of urban voids such as urban management strategy. As a consequence of lack of attention to peripheral areas, with less access to basic infrastructure and social living areas, there are urban voids that, although abandoned in the urban dynamic, are appropriated in an unplanned way through informal social practices. The peculiar practices arising from the needs of low-income social groups reveal themselves as an opportunity to resist and confront the hegemonic and segregating system for peripheral populations. Based on the example of Erechim, this work aims to show the need for urban planning to incorporate these peripheral areas due to the potential of urban voids, even if occasionally and precariously used by residents, in the qualification of the urban peripheries of our cities.