Urbanismo comercial : a experiência portuguesa

Abstract

Recent times seem to have been characterized by the strengthening of economic polarization and social fragmentation, increasing territorial segregation and urban pulverization, after, and partially as a consequence of, the peripherization of housing and jobs. But there are now also visible signs of a "return to the town", that takes place at the same time as the ancient fabric and the role of the towns on our life is revalorized, when he town centre (now called the "traditional centre") can play a particularly significant role as a multifunctional are that potenciates exchanges and the meeting of different people and as a collective symbol of a vast territory and a considerable number of inhabitants. Taking into consideration the difference between the situation in Portugal and that of other countries (a difference that should and must be used as an advantage), as well as the central role of retailing in the animation and qualification of the town centre, it is important to support street independent retail as a significant part of a strategy of strengthening the diversity of retailing (forms and places) and that of the attractibility of this special area, which should always be seen as a dynamic and very lively patrimony. This article discusses urbanism in the town centre with a special view to the relation between public spaces and retail stores (and "para-retail" stores), also reflecting on the context in which "retail urbanism" is developed in Portugal, and dealing with three experiences taking place in the centres of the towns of Matosinhos, Vila do Conde, and Penafiel (and registered as special projects in the EU retail modernization ProCom program).