Appropriation of public space: contemporary squares, work and leisure

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze provoked transformations by informal commerce on public space; specifically on Praça do Caranguejo at Lauro de Freitas municipality, Bahia state. The research has a qualitative and explanatory approach, and, intend to analyze residents’ perception in square vicinity, the transformations that occurred in the area. The location of the square in the central region of the neighborhood allowed the impacts of demographic growth and the commercial consolidation of the area, to directly impact its dynamics of uses and space. The lack of security, conservation and leisure equipment were the main factors that led to a decrease in the presence of residents in the square. Understanding the perception of residents who frequent and non-frequent on the square, allowed to point out ways to its rescue as a cultural, leisure and entertainment symbol in a peripheral neighborhood.