A system of open spaces for public use: a study about the Greater Downtown Area of Vila Velha, ES

Abstract

In the relationship between the built environment and the natural environment, spaces for circulation and permanence in the open air are fundamental to achieve a high quality of life. Public space systems are essential for urban vitality and socio-cultural enrichment, as they favor living and sharing experiences, increasing the sense of belonging. Besides weaving the city, the integration of several actors through a systemic network can order and structure the urban environment. This study presents a mapping of the system of free spaces for public use in the city of Vila Velha, ES, Brazil cutting out Region 01 – Greater Downtown Area, in order to analyze it in the urban setting. For mapping, we used the ArcGIS software program, Municipal Master Plan, as well as analyses performed through Google Earth images and site visits. As a result, we noticed a poor distribution of the squares among the neighborhoods of the Region studied. Concerning green areas, most have restricted access, concentrated in areas of marked relief and permanent preservation. This study is expected to contribute to future interventions in the system of free spaces for public use in the city of Vila Velha, ES, Brazil.