The relationship between the city and buildings

Abstract

This article addresses the topic of old buildings and new constructions and how both have their value within the city, both in the sense of memory and spirit of place, as well as in the economic relationship. The central theme is this reflection on how the mixture of uses and diversity of activities can be positive and a means of attracting both new developments in old buildings and a new dynamic for these areas. Urban centers need to treat the passage of time and the relationship between the new and the old in a more sustainable way and explore this potential, because the city is nothing more than this mixture of what was, what is, and what will be. In this investigation, some examples are explored within the city of Caxias do Sul, which actively prove that the mixture of age, genders, typologies and uses of buildings is what can guarantee a more intelligent and lively city dynamic, where its users are directly active in the process of building this memory linked to the activities that are carried out on the street. With this, the thought of an urban project that respects and values this construction and modification of cities in a more conscious way and linked to a process where people can recognize their history and thus preserve it and even so, without harming development.

DOI:https://doi.org/10.56238/sevened2024.007-098