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The Historic Center of São Luís is one of the most emblematic cultural heritages of Brazil. Recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage, its cobblestone streets, winding and narrow, are a hallmark of colonial urbanism that has spanned the centuries, maintaining the charm and memory of a past full of stories. The alleys that intertwine between centuries-old mansions, the staircases that connect different levels of the city, and the stone sidewalks compose a unique landscape.
However, these rich characteristics can also mean barriers for some people. Thus, with the aim of making the Historic Center of São Luís more inclusive, a set of pioneering interventions is transforming mobility in the region for residents and tourists with physical disabilities or reduced mobility.
Circulating through the Center, a right for everyone
The Municipality of São Luís, through the São Luís Historic Center Revitalization Program (BR-L1117), with financing from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), carried out accessibility works in the federal protection area, which corresponds to the oldest core of the city. These interventions created accessible routes, with the aim of promoting universal accessibility in the perimeter recognized as World Cultural Heritage. It is the same area under the protection and supervision of the National Institute of Historical and Artistic Heritage (IPHAN), ensuring that the improvements respect the federal government’s criteria for the preservation of historical heritage.
The idea of the routes stems from the realization that many tourist spots and buildings are accessible, individually, but without any possibility of movement between these points. The Accessibility Projects were divided into 03 sectors: Sector I, Sector II, Sector III, as explained in the maps below:
The program developed the projects and executed the works related to Priority 01 within Sector I, as illustrated in the map below:
With the aim of implementing accessible routes that reconcile accessibility and low impact on historical heritage, the project, developed by the team of the Municipal Secretariat of Innovation, Sustainability and Special Projects – SEMISPE and executed by the company Cinzel Engenharia, included the construction of ramps, elevated crossings, widening of sidewalks, installation of urban furniture (benches and trash cans), renovation and construction of accessible public restrooms, braille signage, improvements in lighting, landscaping and the removal of obstacles. Corresponding to an intervention area of 33,100.97m², these works ensure greater comfort and safety in moving through the historic area.
How to reconcile heritage preservation and accessibility standards?
The interventions consisted of: the installation of interlocking pavement and widening of sidewalks in a parking lot adjacent to this area; the installation of elevated crossings in various streets and alleys; the installation of a ramp and staircase. These improvements allowed the creation of an access route to Casa das Tulhas, one of the oldest and most touristic markets in São Luís, in addition to Praça Nauro Machado where the João do Vale theater is located, a point of concentration of cultural performances in the territory. And the access to Portugal street where the largest set of tiled facades in Brazil is concentrated.
Through interventions with simple engineering solutions, but loaded with great sensitivity, it was possible to rescue the right to the city for a portion of the population that, until then, was on the margins of urban benefits. These solutions were carefully thought out not to contrast with the cultural landscape, such as: the pigmentation of the concrete used for the elevated crossings that blend in with the cobblestone streets; the use of tactile paving in tones that do not contrast with the shades of the stones; the care in installing urban furniture that harmonizes with the surroundings; among others. In this way, it was ensured that the improvements respected the historical heritage and, at the same time.
Behind the challenge of reconciling accessibility standards with the guidelines for preserving listed historical heritage lies the importance of ensuring free access for all people to such a significant area of São Luís. This effort reflects the greatness of promoting inclusion without compromising the integrity of one of Brazil’s and humanity’s main cultural heritages. Today, São Luís continues to work, in partnership with the IDB, on preparing a new phase of interventions aimed at requalifying the historic center with the ProMorar São Luís – Vem para o Centro Program (BR-L1628).
Discover materials produced by the IDB that address the issue of gender and diversity inclusion: Practical and Intersectional Guide for More Inclusive Cities and Gender and Cities Podcast.
