Urban theory and practices: aesthetics, knowledge and the urban layout of the city of Erechim / RS

Abstract

Erechim was developed from an urban plan idealized by Civil Engineer Carlos Torres Gonçalves. The strong presence of rectilinear geometric shapes indicated a similarity to other urban designs, such as the cities of Paris (France), Belo Horizonte (Brazil). To this end, this article aims to develop a morphological and ideological analysis of the city of Erechim. The methodological procedures are structured in exploratory, qualitative research. A historical survey was carried out, with analyzes of the processes of formation of the city and its urban layout. This conjuncture allowed the establishment of the time frame between the year of formation of the Colony of Erechim, 1904, until the implementation of the urban layout in 1914. Some particularities are observed in this process of conformation of the city, such as the north and south axes outlined by the roads that prioritize circulation. It was noted that, while there is a discourse revealing that the urban layout of Erechim was inspired by Paris, there is also, on the other hand, the representation of the idea that the city was configured according to the precepts of erudite knowledge of the time, as well as, also followed some guidelines established at the time for the subdivision of urban land.