Tactical Urbanism applied to an “Ecozone”: a case study in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais

Abstract

We reflect on the possibility of restructuring public space through Tactical Urbanism from the case study of an intervention entitled "Ecozone": an extension of the useful area of Joaquim Ferreira da Luz Square, in the Santa Tereza neighborhood, in Belo Horizonte (Minas Gerais, Brazil) which took place during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021. The aim was to discuss possibilities of recovering public space for pedestrians and cyclists and assess whether the intervention provided greater integration between citizens and public authorities. The used methodology involved theoretical research on the concept of Tactical Urbanism and practical action within this approach. Also, we did a documentary survey, field research, direct observation, photographic record, and there was direct participation of one of the authors in the process. In the end, the results show that the partnership between the different actors was essential to make the project compatible and modify its result according to citizen demands. And, for the collective context of building the “Ecozone”, there was also the opportunity to build collective intelligence from collaborative methodologies and the training and integration of actors who had the chance to work together in participatory processes of creation, dialogue and empowerment.

Keywords: Tactical Urbanism, Ecozone, popular participation, traffic calming.