Academic contribution to collective building of the city – An experience in the countryside of Ceará – Brazil

Abstract

The appropriation of space is directly linked to the sense of belonging and identity of the place and with place. When the population participates in the planning process, the way of appropriation of the public space is differentiated and much more effective. Based on this assumption, the research group Collaborative Urbanism – UrbColab, linked to the Research Center in Architecture, City and Technology – NuPACT, aims to foster discussion about aspects of daily life that influence the collective construction of the city, more specifically in the small and medium-sized cities of Ceará (Brazil), promoting a dialogical relationship between academia, society and the public power. By working horizontally and inclusively, we make room for the demands that appear and that is in line with the group’s proposal. Among them, as a partial result, we are consolidating three work fronts that emerged as demands: technical assistance in the preparation of the Carnaubal Master Plan; creation of proposals for the revision of the Sobral Master Plan and; training cycle for the preparation of Participatory Master Plans. This article aims to show the importance of academic engagement in the discussions of the city as a way to disseminate knowledge and be able to act effectively in the construction of more dignified and inclusive cities.