Sistema de Espaços Livres Contemporâneos na Cidade de Médio Porte de Santa Maria - RS

This paper aims to present, characterize and analyze the open space system of the city of Santa Maria-RS as part of the investigations organized by the QUAPA-SEL group from the Laboratorio da Paisagem of the Faculdade de Arquitetura e Urbansimo da Universidade de Sao Paulo. The paper has been organized into the following sections: introduction to the Santa Maria open space system study nucleus and a brief presentation of the city; characterization of the natural landscape and evolution its urban occupation; and analysis of the attributes of the different categories of open spaces in Santa Maria considering different agents of intervention. Given an initial understanding of the specific characteristics of Santa Maria and itsmain open spaces, bases have been established for a subsequent investigation, extending to include the systematic approach to open spaces in relation to the local public sphere within the Brazilian context. The conception, planning and maintenance of these spaces, with the participation of multiple agents, aims torevert the lack of areas destined toward recreation and urban public leisure, guarantee the perpetuation of areas fundamental for community and citizenry, as well as to meet specific community needs.