Abstract:
This dissertation investigated the environmental perception of users of Praça João Thiago dos Santos, also known as Praça Matriz, in Lauro de Freitas, Bahia, seeking to understand its uses and functions within the context of contemporary public space. To achieve this, the research set specific objectives: to discuss conceptual approaches to public space and its transformations; to reflect on the socio-spatial dimensions of environmental perception in public squares within the Brazilian context; and to empirically analyze the uses and functions of Praça Matriz based on its users' environmental perception.
The adopted methodology was qualitative, employing a mixed-methods approach rooted in Person-Environment Studies (PES), with the interdisciplinarity of Environmental Psychology, Architecture, and Urbanism as its background. Methods included field observations, behavioral mapping, and semi-structured interviews with users.
The empirical results for Praça Matriz revealed its intrinsic multifunctionality, serving as a stage for cultural, religious, social, and leisure events. The coexistence of permanence and flow was observed, with the formation of "pockets of use" driven by shaded areas, active leisure equipment (children's playground), and services. This demonstrated specific uses at different times and the space's adaptability to daily demands. Users' perceptions of safety, comfort, and accessibility proved fundamental for appropriation and well-being in the location, corroborating the importance of environmental perception as a tool for understanding the use and functions of contemporary public spaces. In summary, Praça Matriz exemplifies a public space utilized and adapted to its users' needs through daily appropriations related to areas of greater comfort and leisure availability, offering valuable insights into the complex person-environment interaction and paving the way for future, comparative, and segmented research to deepen the understanding of this public space.
