Ruas da escola: Um ensaio urbano para requalificação de espaços livres no entorno de escolas públicas do bairro Jatobá na cidade de Patos (PB).

Abstract

Schools have the potential to attract diverse social actors who shape urban daily life, thus becoming spaces with high urban potential. This study aims to analyze the urban qualities emerging from the interaction between schools and public spaces. The case study was conducted in the Jatobá neighborhood, in Patos (PB), focusing on the streets surrounding two nearby schools. Through surveys of land use and occupation, built-up and vacant areas, interfaces, and flows, it was found that the low diversity of uses and limited engagement between buildings and public space contribute to reduced urban vitality and a sense of insecurity. A walkability assessment using the iCam 2.0 tool also revealed insufficient conditions for safe and comfortable pedestrian movement. Based on these analyses and a review of street requalification experiences focused on children, design guidelines were developed to support a urban design experiment for improving public spaces and streets around the schools, aiming to strengthen the connection between school and city while ensuring children’s right to play and move freely. The requalification process generated new squares and safer streets for students, connecting open spaces and public facilities. As a result of the interventions, the area achieved a “sufficient” rating according to the iCam assessment.