Activism and appropriation of urban space in São Paulo

Abstract

A new type of appropriation of urban spaces is emerging in São Paulo, Brazil. The use of bicycles, the planting of communal gardens and the organization of street parties are part of a phenomenon that gains strength along with direct action of urban activism. These groups aim to discuss the everyday life in cities and seek new ways of building urban spaces. This paper analyzes territories that resistance groups occupy as part of their direct actions and activism. The “Minhocão” is currently a public space with two functions: a highway with 2.1 miles in length that people use as an urban park at night and in weekends. “Parque Augusta” is a private plot of land neighbors and collectives claim as a public green area. As a strategy to preserve the remaining vegetation of the Atlantic Forest, a coalition of activists occupied the land and organized art and culture activities. The urban space becomes a scene of conflicts, with playful developments and political disputes.