FROM REGIONAL CENTRALITY TO LOCAL IDENTITY (Atena Editora)

Abstract

Faced with the problem generated by imbalances between urban centralities derived from regional dynamics, the general objective of the investigation is to propose the valorization of local identity from the reduction of strong vectors of centralization in metropolitan regions. With a multi-method structure, qualitative approach, exploratory character and applied feature, the work was structured in three main phases. The first was oriented to the interpretation of theoretical postulates, while the second was directed to the appreciation of local contexts - historical-cultural perspective, political-geographical scope, demographic-population panorama, socioeconomic framework and urban-territorial scenario - of the study area, corresponding to to the municipality of Campo Largo, part of the Metropolitan Region of Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil. The last phase was directed to analytical results, systematized by both diagnostic techniques, related to the elaboration of a matrix of main strengths, opportunities, weaknesses and threats of municipal districts and other relevant spaces, in addition to mapping the diagnosis synthesis of the identified urban continuum, as well as forecasts, derived from previous information and reflections on urban theories, concepts and thoughts. As answers to the investigative question of how to value identity representations for central locations, the essay proposals formulated are based on specialized centers for the configuration of participatory, walkable and sustainable cities, among many other possibilities of modalities of qualification of contemporary cities.