Introduction: Housing, highlighted by Raquel Rolnik (2016), goes beyond physical structures, it is a fundamental right often manipulated by political figures. With the emergence of modernist urban planning, several capitals worldwide began developing functionalist plans that directly impacted traditional ways of living, which, according to Wall (2013), were “automatically condemned”. This study analyzes how modernity impacted traditional life in the Historic Center of São Luís, examining plans and programs from that period, shedding light on the dynamic interaction between modern influences and traditional housing. Methodology: The research adopts a bibliographical review, exploring concepts related to traditional life in São Luís and urban renewal actions.The analysis of plans made through this modernist reality to understand its effects on urban development. Results And Discussion: The examination of spatial practices through Henri Lefebvre highlights the importance of understanding community needs and Olivier Mongin’s insights into urban typologies enrich the discussion. In São Luís, this process significantly changed ways of life, leading to issues such as urban expansion, mobility difficulties, denoting the prioritization of the modern to the detriment of the old, together with pressures from private capital, resulting in an intense commercial center in São Luís. However, it is worth highlighting traditional neighborhoods like Desterro, for example, resistes all this logic through culture and neighborhood life. Conclusion: In summary, prioritizing modernization to the detriment of older areas harms housing viability in the Historic Center, challenging the sustainability of traditional ways of life. Despite revitalization initiatives, establishing life in the neighborhood continues to be a challenge. Therefore, it is essential to consider these factors in urban revitalization strategies, aiming for a balance between modernity and cultural preservation
Giovanna Oliveira – Architecture and Urbanism student with a keen interest in Urban Regeneration and sustainable, democratic urban planning. My thirst for learning and curiosity, coupled with hard work, empowers me to be a dedicated young researcher, already awarded and recognized by my university. I bring with me four years of research experience.
Marluce Wall de Carvalho Venancio holds a PhD in Urbanism from the Graduate Program in Urbanism at the Faculty of Architecture and Urbanism of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (PROURB-FAU/UFRJ), a Master’s degree in Urban Development from the Federal University of Pernambuco (MDU/UFPE), and a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture and Urbanism from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro. Currently, she is a professor at the State University of Maranhão (UEMA). She coordinates and participates in research and extension projects. She is involved in the Coordination and the Pedagogical Committee of the Urban Creation Workshop Equinox. She has experience in the field of Architecture and Urbanism with an emphasis on theories of Urbanism and the production of space, focusing mainly on the following topics: collaborative project design praxis, production and use of urban and rural habitats, contemporary theories of urbanism and urban design, and the teaching of architecture and urbanism.