“Memórias em ruína”: proposta urbanística integrada e sustentável para a requalificação da área histórica do bairro de Bebedouro – Maceió-AL

Abstract

This Final Graduation Project aims to develop an integrated and sustainable urban proposal for the requalification of the historical area of the Bebedouro neighborhood - Maceió/AL, affected by Braskem's mining activities, which prioritizes the preservation of cultural heritage. In addition to investigating the issue of sensitive heritage and the possibilities for a more sustainable future, the work envisions ruin in contemporary times as an opportunity for interaction between body, architecture, and nature - exploring their limits and contrasts. The aim here is to critically respond to the desire for expansion beyond the capacity for production and the reuse of structures in areas affected by soil subsidence, such as in Bebedouro. Regarding the understanding of the physical state of the historical area, the aim is to approach the object of study beyond theoretical analyses through a sensitive investigation of the dilapidated buildings - transcending scales, from the body that occupies the space to the relationship of architectural objects with the city and its landscape. At the scale of the body, the sensitive investigation is conducted through photographic surveys with on-site visits. This approach is understood as one of the specificities of contemporary ruin concerning disaster, comprehending the impossibility of entering the object of study, as well as allowing visibility of the issues to be considered in the intervention project, adopting guidelines that can contribute to a new perspective on the rupture of the urban landscape in the Bebedouro neighborhood. The architecture of abandonment, often associated with processes of degradation and marginalization, carries with it stories of displacement, inequality, and social disintegration. When observed in light of these social problems, ruin becomes not just a vestige of the past, but a reflection of the contradictions and fragilities of the contemporary city. The discontinuity of urban processes and the lack of planning in risk areas, such as those affected by land subsidence, can be seen as symptoms of an inability to deal with the complex interactions between city, nature, and society. The urban proposal emphasizes the importance of cultural heritage for the city, highlighting both tangible aspects, such as buildings and monuments, and in tangible ones, such as traditions and memories. It also stands out as an attempt to mitigate the degradation of the urban landscape, encouraging the conservation of local heritage and the appreciation of the lagoon, without being limited to the instruments for the protection of buildings. The state of abandonment and degradation of the historical buildings highlights the neglect by the public authorities and the mining company, reflecting management problems in the ZEP-3 (Special Zone of Cultural Preservation). This scenario represents a significant cultural loss, in which the built heritage, which should reinforce local memory and identity, is neglected. Thus, this work underscores the importance of preserving and reinterpreting these structures, recognizing their essential value for the history and culture of the city as a whole.