From public leisure space to public space of fear

the case of Waldemar Henrique square in the city of Belém (PA)

Abstract

This article brings a brief reflection on public space. In order to address this theme, the Waldemar Henrique Square has been used as a study case, this square that encourages us to think of it as a space of passage and fear, located in Reduto's neighborhood, in the city of Belém, in Pará, Brazil.  Instigated by this first look, we sought to identify and analyze spatial practices that are unfolded on this space and the conceptions of public space of those who daily maintain a relationship with it. To this end, field visits and interviews were carried out between September 22 and 24, 2018, and information obtained there analyzed in light of studies and researches by: Serpa (2007), Leite (2004), Jacobs (2000), Souza (2008) and Lefebvre (2016), helping us to understand the process that led the Waldemar Henrique Square through a trajectory that goes back to its conception as a space dedicated to leisure and cultural manifestations, up to the present that places it as a space of representation, restricted of spatial practices and public actions related mainly to its Government Management.