The socio-spatial condition of/in the historic center of Fortaleza in times of pandemic

Abstract

The pandemic caused by the New Corona virus that has manifested itself on a planetary level has generated numerous health, political, economic and, above all, social problems. In view of this, many efforts have been undertaken to slow down the cases of infection across countries and cities, directly impacting the physical presence of city dwellers in public spaces and central areas. The article aims to analyze the uses, perceptions, feelings and motivations of people who frequent the historic center of Fortaleza, capital of the state of Ceará, during the pandemic context. One hundred (100) surveys were applied in five squares considered historic in the city center, namely: Praça do Ferreira, Praça dos Leões, Praça José de Alencar, Praça Coração de Jesus and mediations of the Passeio Público. From the data collected in the field, we sought to understand the relationships, affective and historical-identity bonds and perceptions of these respondents in relation to the historic center and the impacts evidenced in their paths and urban socio-spatial experience in times of pandemic, especially in days leading up to the second lockdown in the state of Ceará.

Keywords: Historic center of Fortaleza; Pandemic; Public spaces; Urban experience; Lockdown.