Sustainable Cities: how tactical urbanism is changing public space in Campinas
The research identified challenges in dialoguing with the public sector and the private sector, but highlighted the collectives' great interest in partnerships with universities to develop technologies with a social and environmental impact.
In recent years, innovation districts have become established as drivers of sustainable development in cities. They bring together different actors to boost economic and social growth. However, the participation of civil society in these spaces is still a challenge. In Campinas, urban collectives have been using tactical urbanism to transform public space and increase popular participation in sustainable urban development. This approach includes low-cost, temporary interventions that can become permanent solutions, promoting the active occupation of underutilized areas.
The study, conducted by FGV EAESP researcher Zilma Borges de Souza together with Laura Martins de Carvalho, was published in the journal PARC Pesquisa em Arquitetura e Construção. The research followed a qualitative and exploratory approach, using participant research as the main method. The researchers therefore analyzed four collectives: Cuidadores da APP do Jardim Miriam, Brigada Popular Cachorro do Mato, Pé na Estrada Bike Clube and Mobiliza Satélite. The methodology involved semi-structured interviews with the leaders of these collectives, direct observation and document analysis.
The results show that the urban collectives have extensive knowledge and socio-environmental engagement, despite the lack of support from public authorities and the private sector.
Interest in greater involvement with universities is evident, especially in collaboration for the development of sustainable technologies. However, the relationship with public authorities is still restricted and, in some cases, conflictual.
The innovation districts studied have different perceptions among the collectives. The International Hub for Sustainable Development (HIDS), linked to Unicamp, is viewed positively by the collectives who know it, as it represents a space focused on technology and responsible innovation. The Innovation and Sustainable Development Pole (PIDS), on the other hand, generates fear among the collectives, who point out the risks of real estate speculation and negative impacts on the environment and the local community.
The importance of dialog and social participation
The research highlights the need to create permanent participatory forums to ensure that collectives have a voice in the management of innovation districts. The lack of effective communication between public authorities and civil society has been an obstacle to building more sustainable and inclusive cities. The rapprochement with universities, on the other hand, shows promise, especially for the co-creation of urban solutions based on knowledge and innovation.
Finally, urban collectives play a fundamental role in tactical urbanism, promoting interventions that can help transform innovation districts into truly inclusive and sustainable spaces. To strengthen this role, it is essential to establish more effective communication channels between collectives, universities and the government. In this way, it will be possible to create smarter, more sustainable and participatory cities, where knowledge and innovation go hand in hand with society's needs.
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