Contemporary Urban Parks: an analysis of socio-spatial imaginary in the city of Montes Claros / MG

Abstract

In this study, we propose analyzes of urban parks in the contemporary city through the construction of socio-spatial imaginary, the experience and perception of its users. From the studies of three urban parks in the city of Montes Claros / MG, in different social, economic and cultural realities, it was sought through the technique of Free Word Association (T.A.L.P.) to analyze how these imaginary manifest themselves and are related to the uses and appropriations of spaces. Despite the values attributed to the places being of an individual nature and imbued with symbolism and affectivity, there was a social construction of socio-spatial imaginary of the analyzed urban parks, marked by groups that have the same habitus perceptible by their lifestyle, in symbolic spaces (fields). Thus, for each object under study, a characteristic spatial imagery was verified according to the different needs, interests, values and lifestyles. In the Milton Prates and Mangueiras parks,its users list the space as a place for leisure experiences, being the place for socializing and meeting. In its turn the Sagarana park, although it is also a leisure space, is present in the imaginary as a place to practice physical activities in contactwith nature.