Reflections on the concept of healthy cities from three cities in Northeast Brazil

Abstract

This article brings reflections on the concept of healthy cities in view of the repertoire found in the urban environment of northeastern Brazil. In order to assess the conformity of spaces with what is expected from a healthy city, according to guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO), a photographic survey was conducted in the municipalities of Petrolina (PE), Arapiraca (AL) and Maceió (AL). With the help of literature, a comparative analysis of the photographs generated was performed. It was observed that the current development model of the cities studied is composed of coherent practices and also practices that are different from what was expected for the construction of a healthy city. Thus, it was noted that the mismatch that exists between healthy and hostile spaces generates discontinuity and stratification in the urban space and in the society that inhabits it. It was also possible to perceive the tendency of the urban buildings to move away from urban healthy practices, a reality that highlights the importance of social paradigms and urban planning aimed at environmental awareness.