Escombros e vestígios: os debates sobre os arrasamentos nas reformas urbanas das cidades brasileiras (Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo e Recife no início do século XX)

Abstract

Urban modernization processes are often related to partial or total destruction events of the constructed urbe estate. Through the representations in dispute regarding demolition events undertaken in the urban fabric appears the substrate to identify the sensibilities that flourish in these cases. The urban improvements of Brazilian cities executed in the beginning of the 20th century compose a horizon already examined within the Urban Cultural History. However, the research here engendered proposes a new perspective and approach, towards the demolition events of the colonial collection, attempting to complement the information board and reflections about the representations born from these cases with new shades. Thus, it focus not only to contribute to the Urban Cultural History of Brazilian cities, but to learn underlying processes such as the formation of currently consolidated sensibilities (or in consolidation processes) regarding the preservation of the constructed collection. The objective of this study is to discuss the different representations in dispute about the events regarding renovation and destruction of the constructed collection of the Brazilian cities in the beginning of the 20th century, period in which principles about modernity and modernism were broadcast in contrast to the sensibility development process towards the constructed collection from cities and their preservation. To achieve that, the cases from Recife, Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo are highlighted in order to comprehend specificities of these processes as well as sensibility changes related to constructions from existing cities. The methodology is based on two main approaches: the investigation of evidences in the light of the Evidential Paradigm from Carlo Ginzburg and the focus on the technical apprehension of this material using the textual analysis technique from Antonio Candido. This approach involved literature review about "renovation and destruction events" in the cities studied and documentary research conducted using physical and digital collections, analyzing documents regarding these events, such as: laws, administrative messages, decrees, regulatory ordinances, plans, projects, photographs, paintings, magazines and travel guides. The results, although only partial, disclose that certain demolition events had their debates silenced while others involved mobilizations that transposed municipal and state boundaries, indicating that the sensitivity towards urban elements with colonial features grew according to the notion that the last remnants were likely to falter.