Reinventing the Central Region of Cities in Brazil and Portugal: A Sociological Perspective on Urban Preservation and Requalification

The reality of historic centers in Brazilian and Portuguese cities reflects a series of challenges that go beyond mere architectural preservation. These places, rich in history and tradition, face a continuous process of demographic and economic emptying, in contrast with the more modern and dynamic areas of the cities. Below, we explore the issue from a sociological perspective, analyzing how the role of urban centers can be redefined and revitalized to meet contemporary needs. To this end, the “commandments” for the requalification of central areas suggest an urban planning model that transcends national borders.

The Emptying of Historic Centers and the Need for Reinvention

Historically, the centers of large Brazilian and Portuguese cities were the epicenters of urban and cultural life. However, in recent centuries, these places have been neglected and, in some cases, even abandoned, giving way to a process of social and urban degradation. It is observed that, in many Brazilian cities, such as Manaus and S?o Paulo, historic centers have vast architectural and infrastructural potential, but face the problem of a lack of residents and vibrant economic activities. This emptying is not a mere coincidence, but a result of urban policies that encouraged peripheral expansion, to the detriment of the sustainable occupation of these central areas. Portugal, in turn, managed to implement some urban rehabilitation policies in Lisbon that revitalized several parts of its historic center. The Portuguese capital began a process of restoring historic buildings and offering tax incentives for those who wanted to invest in the center, such as reducing VAT (equivalent to the Brazilian ICMS) for renovations of historic heritage sites. With this, Lisbon managed to attract new residents and tourists, transforming these places into hubs of coexistence and economic development. Preservation and Maintenance: The Importance of a Continuous Approach

The first step towards restoring historic centers to their former strength is continuous and careful preservation, rather than simply restoring large monuments. This practice, observed in several cities, suggests that restoring a building in isolation does not contribute to revitalizing the neighborhood as a whole. In many Brazilian cities, the lack of a system for maintaining public and historic spaces ends up making it impossible for new residents and entrepreneurs to stay, who face obstacles such as insecurity and lack of cleanliness.

In Lisbon, it is observed that the maintenance of historic centers is treated with rigor, alongside the restoration processes. Public spaces are valued and protected, contributing to the safety and well-being of residents and visitors. In Brazil, this approach is still timid, as many revitalization projects do not include long-term maintenance plans, which compromises their effectiveness.

Lighting and Security: Welcoming and Valuing Urban Spaces

Urban lighting is not just an aesthetic issue; It contributes to the safety and accessibility of public spaces. In Brazil, the lack of adequate lighting is one of the reasons that keep residents and tourists away from urban centers. Yellow light, used in Portugal to highlight the facades of historic buildings, brings a special charm to the streets of Lisbon and Porto, making these places more attractive and safer at night.

The Role of Universities in the Center: Educational and Urban

Universities play a crucial role in the revitalization of urban centers, as they serve as centers of knowledge and innovation. In several Brazilian cities, however, there is a movement to move these institutions to peripheral areas, as occurred with the Federal University of Amazonas, which was transferred far from the center of Manaus. This distance deprives the center of an important flow of students, researchers and activities that could contribute to its revitalization.

In European cities, such as Lisbon, universities are integrated into the urban fabric, which favors the occupation of the centers and the creation of a young and dynamic culture in these areas. This practice has proven effective in the revitalization of central areas, as it promotes a constant flow of people and activities, making urban centers more lively and welcoming.

Architectural Quality: The Balance between the Historical and the Contemporary

When analyzing preservation policies, it is important to emphasize that not every old building is necessarily a historical heritage site. In Brazil, there is a tendency to try to keep all historic buildings untouched, often resulting in areas that resemble open-air museums, without any dynamism or practical function for the city. In Lisbon, there is a more flexible approach, where modern annexes are allowed to be built on historic buildings, as long as they respect the harmony and aesthetics of the surroundings. This practice allows for a more dynamic urban renewal, uniting tradition and modernity in a sustainable way. This balance between old and new is essential for the city center to become an attractive space for different audiences. Urban Mobility and the Use of Cars Urban mobility in historic centers is an issue that requires careful planning. In Brazil, there is a polarization in the discussion about the use of cars, with some cities allowing unrestricted vehicle traffic, which results in visual pollution and traffic jams, while others completely prohibit access to vehicles in large areas, making life difficult for residents and visitors. The solution to this issue involves the concept of integrated mobility, where car use is permitted in a controlled manner, prioritizing public transportation and active mobility (bicycles and pedestrians). This model has been successfully adopted in some Portuguese cities, where access to the city center is restricted, but not prohibited, and public transportation is widely encouraged.

Diversification of Uses: Cultural and Residential Centers

The transformation of historic buildings into cultural centers is a common practice, but it is not always the most effective. Urban centers need a diversity of activities to become vibrant and self-sustainable. Many Brazilian historic centers are transformed into places exclusively for tourism or culture, leaving aside other needs, such as housing, commerce and services.

In Lisbon, the balance between different uses is a priority. Historic buildings are adapted to house residences, hotels, restaurants and commerce, creating a diversity of uses that keeps the urban center active at different times. This model can be adapted to the Brazilian context, promoting the occupation of historic centers by a diversity of classes and economic activities.

Tax Incentives and Regulatory Flexibility: The Case of Lisbon

Lisbon is an example of how regulatory flexibility can encourage the rehabilitation of historic properties. The city has implemented policies that have allowed, for example, the demolition of interiors to adapt old buildings to the demands of modern life, such as the construction of elevators and bathrooms in historic buildings. This type of adaptation is necessary for these properties to become attractive to new residents.

In Brazil, bureaucracy and strict restoration requirements often make urban redevelopment projects unfeasible. A more flexible model that allows for internal adaptations and the addition of built areas could facilitate the transformation of urban centers into more livable and dynamic spaces.

Conclusion: A Commitment to the History and Future of Urban Centers

The process of requalifying historic centers should be guided by a sociological vision that considers both the cultural value and the contemporary needs of society. Urban revitalization is a commitment to history, but also an opportunity to build a more inclusive and sustainable future.

In Brazil, it is necessary to rethink the policies for preserving and occupying historic centers, seeking a balance between preserving heritage and adapting to the demands of today's society. In Portugal, the experience of Lisbon and Porto shows that it is possible to revitalize urban centers without sacrificing quality of life and safety.

Ultimately, historic centers can be the soul of a city, but to do so, they need to be alive and vibrant, meeting the needs of those who live, work and visit there. More than architectural preservation is needed; it is necessary to create an environment that integrates the past with the present, ensuring that the center is an accessible and welcoming space for all social classes.