Reflections on the urban space in pandemia, from the neighborhood Major Prates, in Montes Claros-MG

Abstract

The present work sought to analyze the formation of the Major Prates neighborhood, in the city of Montes Claros - MG, and its contemporary characteristics, taking into account its paradoxical character, intensified in the pandemic context. On the one hand, it presents a complex network of services and businesses, real estate speculation and spatial disputes, on the other hand, an articulation of urban and rural aspects, revealing traditions and astute ways of building their dynamics and sociability. The study was built with a methodological combination of bibliographic research and direct observation. The first stage sought to analyze the articulation of the neighborhood with the city, in relation to urban planning, highlighting the role of sub-center and the character of resistance present in the socio-spatial practices of city dwellers. Direct observation took place at different times and days in the month of December, two thousand and twenty, seeking to identify and analyze actions and behaviors that demonstrate the strategies of resistance performed on a daily basis, in spaces that have an interface with the street. Afterall, it was intended to encourage more critical reflections on the public space, because in addition to playing important democratic roles, it is the stage on which urban life takes place, the breathing of routine, the encounter, and, mainly, diversity.