Análise da (re)funcionalização de edifícios patrimoniais históricos na área central da cidade de Montes Claros-MG

Abstract

The urbanization processes in Brazil, especially in the decades of 1960 and 1970, brought countless transformations, especially regarding the landscape of cities. It is possible to observe the emergence of decentralization, the creation of new urban centers and the abandonment of others, namely the historic centers. In that regard, this paper proposes a study of these historic centers as places where the memory, identity, history and culture of the city and its society are treasured. The general aim of this study is to analyze the dynamics that have occurred in the historic center of the Brazilian city of Montes Claros- MG, defined by the surroundings of historic areas Praça da Matriz and Corredor Cultural, through the perspective of their (re)functionalization from historic heritage buildings into places for cultural activities. In order to organize the research, we have first done bibliographic and document research, approaching the concepts of historical and cultural heritage, the relationship between public space, place and culture, the role of culture in society, and the characteristics of the area of study, addressing the history of the city of Montes Claros up to present day, in order to provide context on the importance of its cultural heritage in the urban space. Afterwards, we have conducted field research, through which it was possible to get a direct look of the object of study. Finally, we have carried out interviews with the population and the local government. The history of the city and of the area of study have been analyzed in order to understand how it has changed until it got to its recent structure. The aforementioned research has identified which historic buildings in the area of study have, in some way, gotten a new function or remained with the same purpose for which they had been built. We have also discussed the data acquired with the interviews and it was possible to elaborate maps and tables with them. The city has undergone constant transformation, which can be seen from the local historical heritage and from the (re)functionalization of the urban space. We have found a strong manifestation of traditional culture in the city, such as the Festas de Agosto, and symbolic places, like the historic buildings, legacies which represent the cultural and historical memory of the city and its population, as well as the acknowledgement of its importance for the identity of the community. Despite the population's awareness of this heritage and of laws aimed at protecting it, urban preservation instruments are still insufficient, given the great need for protection that involves the city's cultural heritage. Although this study does not address all possible factors that influence the organization and (re)functionalization of urban architectural heritage, the methods addressed here can help with the understanding of its importance in society. This way, it is possible to approach the possibilities of using urban planning tools aimed at the context of education and cultural urbanism in the municipality.