Worker's Square and the Train Station: Transformations of a Space to be Preserved by analuizanrb

STUDENT’S NAME: Ana Luíza Name Ribeiro Barbosa

TEACHER ADVISOR: PhD. Deusa Maria Rodrigues Boaventura TEACHER’S RESEARCH’S NAME: RUPTURES AND CONTINUITIES: INTERVENTIONS IN THE CENTRAL SPACE OF GOIÂNIA (1970/2013) Student´s research’s title: WORKER’S SQUARE AND THE TRAIN STATION: TRANSFORMATIONS OF A SPACE TO BE PRESERVED

Introduction

The research in question looks to comprehend the spatial transformations that took place in the Worker’s Square (Praça do Trabalhador) located in the north area of Goiânia, a town nearby the capital of Brazil, since 1970’s to 2013. The creation of the square, now considered a patrimony of the town, reminds the 30’s and the political situation of Vargas era (period of time when Getúlio Vargas was the president of Brazil), when the present intervener of Goiânia, Goiás’ State, Pedro Ludovico Teixeira understands that it would be important to the county’s growth. So, at that time, he decided to set a new capital to the State of Goiás that would represent modernity. Then, he invited the architect and urbanist Attílio Corrêa Lima, who designed and created the urban plan of Goiânia and who invited Coimbra Bueno’s construction enterprise to build the town in discussion. The modernity is noticed in the town plan and clearly takes part in the construction of some Art Decó buildings, such as the Ferry Station, built in the end of Goiás Avenue, on the Worker’s Square. The project and design of this building remains unknown. It was opened in 1952 and continued in work until its effective deactivation on the 80’s, while the train rails were taken away and the present Bus Station of Goiânia took place. Over the years, many interventions and neglecting took place there, revealing significant abandon of such important patrimony of ours.

During the years, Square’s formal and function configurations changed according to people’s and town’s needs. Worker’s Square is a modern one, as it was designed from the modern principles, which differ from previous situations such as colonial and bourgeois ones. Colonial squares were commercial places Political and military demonstrations, commercial trades took place on the colonial squares. Besides, the presence of a church nearby was really common. On the other hand, the bourgeois squares were only commercial centers. By the colonial time, squares were configured by the nearby constructions whilst in modern time the square place was pre-determined by the road system and by the streets. Besides its modern creation and design, Worker’s Square started to lodge an important town building: the Ferry Station; and since then, passing through modifications together with Goiânia’s centre, where it is located. A new usage was given to the Square: since a place to host political demonstrations to commercial use and later the neglect. Nowadays, it is only a pass through place and on weekends the Feira Hippie (small marketplace with handmade products) takes place there. A well preserved city is the testimony of all the historical moments it has been through. The visibility together with the identity of the city acquired by these relevant urban spaces are what makes her attractive and in people’s head. Goiânia’s downtown relays in the presence of an amount of historical buildings due to the loss of commercial interest for the center since the years of real estate explosion (on the 70’s and on the 80’s), when this activity changed to new neighborhoods. However, actions in order to protect this estate are in need, as real estate companies are starting to turn more strongly to the center, demolishing buildings of undeniable historical value. Studies concerning the Worker’s Square are really important to do once they will be a source of information to those who wish to learn more about the Square and more about the Ferry Station of Goiânia.

The methodology adopted is to do documentary, field and bibliographical research (in periodicals, magazines, reports, books, photographs) on the Brazilian square with an emphasis on Worker’s Square (Praça do Trabalhador), in order to understand its main 2

characteristics, its history and its part within the urban area. Then, a presentation of the context of Goiânia will be made and the formation and transformations that have occurred in the Worker's Square over the years will be discussed.

1. Brazilian cities’ squares Squares’ history merges with cities’ history. Thus, regardless of the period in which it was built, the square continues to be an element totally linked to the urban context and with a strong cultural expression. Robba and Macedo (2002, p.17 and 18) come to the conclusion that "squares are urban public spaces intended for leisure and for the living together of the population, accessible to citizens and free of vehicles". The square is a center, a place of convergence of people. While the streets were designed for cars, the squares, sidewalks and parks are spaces aimed to pedestrians. The city is originally created for people and not for cars. Therefore, the city on the pedestrian scale is essential. Although the squares have been through transformations and ruptures over the years, both in functional and formal aspects, their main characteristic remains intact: being a collective space where socializing and social relations take place (RIBEIRO, 2008, p. -30). They are collective spaces that 'break' the pattern created by the series of buildings so as to bring a visual relief to escape of buildings’ monotony. Spaces that exhibit viscosity begin to appear. The viscosity according to Cullen (1971) is when a site is at the same time the object of a static occupation by some building and of an occupation by the movement, characterized by the coming and going of passers-by of the city. The colonial squares had as their main characteristic the existence of a nearby church and, with further time, other important buildings for the cities were being installed bordering the square.

Squares become the central core of the cities, where a plurality of functions occurs (CALDEIRA, 2007). This has been happening more precisely since XVIII century, in which squares start playing an important role in the city’s hierarchy.

In eighteenth-century urban designs, squares adopted a regular octagonal shape, besides being located at the center of urban network and are initially thought of as the center of the city in symbolic, functional and spatial terms (CALDEIRA, 2007).

By the end of 19th century, several programs were carried out in the country in order to beautify the cities by making them modern. The objective was to gain greater visibility in face of Europe at the time of exportation. Besides, these urbanistic intervention plans were based in the Europeans’. Boulevards and greeny avenues started to take place in the cities, mainly in their centers.

The colonial squares that were places of commerce, political and military demonstrations gave place to garden squares, where people could contemplate nature and rest. This was a big event in Brazilian urban spaces’ history, as it modifies the square’s role in the cities. Thus, the capitalist market starts to occupy commercial buildings and the military demonstrations begin to happen in big avenues (ROBBA and MACEDO, 2002).

The squares became objects of landscaping projects. The typology of garden square gains strength along the years and the green importance increases and slows down the effects of the intense urbanizations that occurs in cities’ centers.

In the twentieth century, the modern square aimed to meet the need for a public space focused on people’s leisure. The concern with a quality landscape was starting to become essential. The absence of green in cities already consolidated demanded the construction of more squares and parks. The square assumes the role of an element of the road system - place of passage, junction, carrefour, rond-points. This new scale of a modern metropolis announces a new phenomenon for the public spaces: the ullage and the loss of traditional characteristics. This process is consolidated in the twentieth century mainly by the implantation of road plans and complex systems of urban circulation. The creation of large urban spaces and large structures is shaped by motorways, overpasses, road axes, trenches and walkways (CALDEIRA, 2007).

On the second decade of the twentieth century, cities’ industrialization and the growing of commercial activities boosted urban population growth, causing a densification. Then, public spaces began to lose their presence when giving place to buildings.

In the modern layout, the place where the square is located was predetermined by the road system and by the streets, while in colonial times, squares were configured by surrounding buildings.

Leisure has always been linked to the square, but only since the 1940s with American landscaping influence, equipments such as playgrounds, sports courts, outdoor stadiuns and amphetheatres began to be part of squares’ projects. Before, leisure was only by social relations, later in sport, children's and finally cultural leisure was also incorporated (ROBBA and MACEDO, 2002). Cities’ densification has been intensified with metropolization’s process since the 80's, which causes a reduction in free spaces and guarantee more value to squares. They have a very strong contemplative value, since the sporting value becomes property of clubs and sports associations dedicated to wealthy people while the disadvantaged ones had small fields (ROBBA and MACEDO, 2002).

Squares have a cognitive and artistic value for the city as they can be considered monuments, for the most part. Cognitive value is obtained over time (CHOUY, 1982). They are urban patrimonies inseparable from other compositional elements of the city.

They are escape valves for the rushing and monotony of concrete and steel towers. They contribute to the cities’ permeability and provide a place not only of passage, but also of permanence where social relations can be developed by approaching neighbors and residents. Therefore, they should be better maintained and valued.

2. The conception of Goiânia and the formation of Worker’s Square

2.1.

The history of the Square from time to time

During Vargas era, Goiânia was important for the central development of the country. The 30’s revolution settled the end of the agrarian exportation hegemony by giving place to the urban-industrial productive base. However, Goiânia was a dinamic center of regional agricultural economy (MOTA, 2004).

The prime plan of the city was elaborated by the architect named Attílio Corrêa Lima, who was at the time invited by Pedro Ludovico Teixeira. Attílio Corrêa Lima was one of the pioneer architects of the time to have a postgraduation in urbanism and for being outstanding in the area then he was designated to elaborate the city’s plan. The layout of a central nucleus was its starting point. There were streets converging towards this nucleus (Civic’s Square, Praça Cívica) which was a very common design at that time in Europe. Goiânia’s project showed up in 1933 and had two distinct centers, one commercial and the other administrative. The administrative one was placed at the intersection of three main avenues. Araguaia Avenue, with a northeast direction, led to the city park (Botafogo), Tocantins Avenue with a north-west direction led to the airport and the main axis represented by Goiás Avenue leads to the railway station’s square (Praça do Trabalhador).

2.1.1. The years of implantation of the city and the formation of Worker’s Square Picture 1 – Goiânia’s Plan 1933-1935

Source: SEPLAM, 2016.

On 1935, Attílio resigned due to lack of payment and disagreements with the construction company Coimbra Bueno & Cia Ltda. who from this date on became sole responsible for Goiânia’s construction with the a technical consultant called Armando de Godoy. The Central and North neighborhoods had already been implanted. Coimbra Bueno’s company showed a plan for the city in 1937 that would be approved only in 1938 by 90-A’s act. 7

PRÓ-REITORIA DE PÓS-GRADUAÇÃO E PESQUISA Av. Universitária, 1069 – St. Universitário Caixa Postal 86 – CEP 74605-010 Goiânia-Goiás Telefone/Fax: (62)3946-1070 ou 1071 www.pucgoias.edu.br / prope@pucgoias.edu.br Picture 2 - Urbanization Plan of Goiânia, 1938

Source: SEPLAM, 2016.

The construction in Goiânia began in December of 1933, lands’ sale began in June of 1934. City's first urban regulation was created by the General Superintendence of Works (Coimbra Bueno) and it only came into force in 1937. Solely the State was responsible for parceling, sale or donation areas between 1933 and 1947 (MOTA, 2004).

The square is the greatest fact of Goiânia’s project. Specially the Civic Square. It was elaborated as the central nucleus of the city and where the main avenues converged to: Goiás Avenue, Tocantins Avenue and Araguaia Avenue. Of a total of 1,082 hectares, 375 were considered as free spaces (34.6%) and, of these, 162 (43.2%) were exclusively park ways, gardens, playgrounds and sports areas (COSTA, 2006 ).

Worker’s Square was programmed by the original project as a site destined for rail services according to the Urban Plan for the Northern Neighbor (today, Northern Rail Neighbor), 1938. However, the railway station was only opened in 1952. Picture 3 – Goiânia’s Railway Station building construction

Source: Hélio de Oliveira, 1950. Picture 4 – Goiânia’s Railway Station built

Source: Hélio de Oliveira, 1950.

The Station building was the last one built in Art Deco design, of unknown authorship. It features a prism shape with four large concrete gables of monumental character; perspective 9

composition with symmetry and an axiality which emphasizes the main access and division of the facade in base, body and grilles and metal frames, in addition to stepped surfaces; furthermore the presence of painted murals in its interior by Nazareno Confaloni in 1953, was considered modernism pioneer in Goiás (BANDEIRA E KNEIB, 2016).

Pictures 5 e 6: Confaloni’s murals of the Station

Source: Personal collection, 2017.

The square was designated in Atílio Corrêa Lima’s plan to lodge industries and workers' villages. Armando Augusto de Godoy's plan added further light and heavy industries subzones, as well as service and residential areas. A law was created stating that its lands could only be resold after eight years of purchase (OLIVEIRA, 2005). Modernity has always been in the city's formation, not only in Art Deco architecture, but also in the urban layout itself which was developed by Attílio. The squares stand out as well as in European cities designs. Civic Square as the administrative center of the city and connected through Goiás Avenue with Brazil’s American Square, known now as Worker’s Square, as an industrial zone.

2.1.2. The city’s growth and Worker’s Square changes Picture 7 – Goiânia’s Worker’s Square – the 50’s

Source: Hélio de Oliveira, 1950. Picture 8 – Goiânia’s Worker’s Square – 2016

Source: Google Earth, 2016

It is inferred from the observation of figures 7 and 8 the increase of density where Worker’s Square is located. Despite the many transformations that have occurred there over the years, the urban landscape of this area always reflects the historical context of the city. In 1959, the square that was originally called Brazil’s American Square, became popularly known as the Worker's Square due to the construction of the Worker’s Monument (picture 9). Then, it began to host celebrations of May 1st (worker's day), in addition to turnouts and political demonstrations. Picture 9 – Old train station; the 60’s; Alois Feitchenberger. Goiânia – GO

Source: MIS’s Collection- GO, 2017

The Monument was hit by boiled piche in 1969; there was a retaliation of the Communist Fighter Command. Nevertheless, such attacks on the monument continued until it lost all its original features. In addition, Joaquim Roriz, then governor of Goiás, determined the withdrawal of Square’s monument in 1987 in order to extend Goiás Avenue through the square. However, the project was not carried out (MEDEIROS E TEIXEIRA, 2016).

The car gained relevance in the means of transportation and this contributed to the demand’s reduction of train transportation. Thus, Goiânia railway station was shut down at the end of the 70’s. There was a campaign in 1980 that intended to remove the rails and the station building from Goiânia’s center because they thought it would be disrespectful with the architecture model of that time in modern capitals of the world. However, this point of view was strongly contested and overlooked.

The railway station has been suffering with abandon and neglect not only of the population, but also of the State itself. In order to maintain the building, it was used for different purposes during a certain period of time. In 1985, for example, the building was the headquarters of the Restaurant of Goiânia’s traditions.

The place hosted the State Center of Arts and Crafts and the Association and Cooperative of artisans of Goiás in 1987. In that same year, Joaquim Roriz determined the removal of the monument from the square, in order to extend Avenue Goiás, a proposal that did not proceed. It hosted the Martial and Municipal Bands of Goiânia in 1988 and the Municipal Choir (ALVARENGA, 2006). The Organic Law of the County of Goiânia made the name of ‘Praça do Trabalhador’ finally official in 1990.

The Hippie Fair, a handcraft fair of great local importance, left Goiás Avenue in 1985 and occupied Praça do Trabalhador due to its disorderly growth and the need for more spaces. Due to this event, the search for hospitality increased on the neighborhood thanked to the commercial-tourist activity that has been developing in the place.

3. Worker’s Square interventions and its new usage Over the years, Worker’s Square has been the target of a series of projects and interventions attempts. The area was intended to be industrial as determined by the Attílio plan in the beginning of its constitution. However, the installation of industries and warehouses besides the ones that already existed there was prohibited from 1968 on, due to a difficult access and to the lack of infrastructure. 13

Source: Helena Beatriz S. 1983; SEPLAM 2016

At that time, the Northern Rail Sector lacked basic infrastructure such as asphalt, sewage treatment, police and health stations, sports and lounge areas. Besides, there were some neighborhood areas that lacked water and public lighting. There was a terminal of loads construction proposal away from the center of the city in 1980, away from the Worker’s Square, since the place would be only for passengers. Besides, studies for modifications in the Square were made in March of that year to attend not only the road issue, but also the railroad, as shown in Picture 11. Picture 11 – Project for Worker’s Square, 1980

Source: SEPLAM, 2016

The new lots’ division from part of the Northern Rail Sector was approved by the Decree No. 325 of April 22, 1988, and it aimed at the construction of Goiânia Bus Terminal. It also determined the area of the square that would host the Hippie Fair once located in Goiás Avenue (CUEVAS, 2008). Picture 12 – Lots’ division proposed by the Decree 325 - 1988

Source: CUEVAS, 2008; SEPLAM 2016

The Urbanization and Landscaping project for the area of 43,695.75m² of the Worker’s Square was made by the landscape architect Neusa Michellon Baiocchi. An amphitheater, some parking lots and green areas were designed and implemented at the end of the 1980s. In addition, there is a wide walkway that runs from Independencia Avenue to the Station gate forming a Boulevard with its imperial palm trees on its sides. However, the project is currently uncharacterized due to the different areas that have been paved and the lack of trees (CUEVAS, 2008).

Source: Personal collection, 2017

There is also a locomotive n° 11, called Maria Fumaça, on display in its side but it is totally depredated and rusty following the depredation that the Station has been suffering since it was deactivated. Despite several attempts to restore the monuments and the Square itself, none of them were 100% effective and satisfactory, which can be observed while visiting the place. Picture 14 – Maria Fumaça, Worker’s Square - 2017

Source: Personal collection, 2017

According to the Complementary Law No. 031 of July 30th of 1994, which talks about the usage and occupation of the lands of Goiânia, the land concerning Worker’s Square is located in Special Urban Interest Area – SUIA (Zona Especial Interesse Urbanístico – ZEIU) classified as part of the Historic Revitalization Zone. Despite this fact, the Station building itself was only registered in 2003 by IPHAN (Institute of Historic and Artistic National Patrimony) (CUEVAS, 2008). Picture 15 – Area’s data about the usage of the land near the Worker’s Square - 1998

LEGENDA SEM INFORMAÇÃO COMÉRCIO RESIDÊNCIA VAGO PRÉDIO

Source: SECULT, 2017

Source: Personal collection, 2017

It is possible to notice big differences between one map and another (Pictures 15 and 16), most residences found in the first condition gave place to commerce and services. The area today is known as a commercial centre not only due to the installation of the Hippie Fair there, but also due to the famous 44 Avenue that became a national reference of clothing attracting people from all over the country. It justifies the growth of hospitality in the area, which is a big part of the service establishments.

In spite of the verticalization that occurred in the city from the 90s on, mostly of the studied area does not have a strong verticalization. It can be seen in the map showed in Picture 17 and in the skyline of Picture 18. The predominance of buildings of 1 or 2 floors is remarkable.

Source: Personal collection, 2017 Picture 18 – Skyline of the Square - 2017

or alhad Trab o d Praça 148 126 127 129

128

Quadra 129

e Skylin

Quadra 128

Quadra 127

Quadra 126

Source:

Personal collection, 2017

Conclusion

The modern square was the starting point for the constitution of Worker’s Square, the definition of its location, as established in the Plan of Attílio, as the center of the industrial part in the initial years of Goiânia and connected with the political center of the time (Civic Square). Over the years, the center of Goiânia has been modified through the densification of buildings, verticalization and real estate speculation. The spreading of the city contributed to the abandonment and neglect with the Center as a whole with focus on the Worker's Square and the Railway Station, as perceived through bibliographical and field research for the present research. A series of interventions took place in Worker’s Square, but none were effective enough to last and take the population to the place. The Hippie Fair brings people periodically to the Square. However, for the sole purpose of commerce, as well as most of the establishments located in their surroundings. The lack of use of the Railway Station building nowadays and mainly the absence of maintenance and recovery of its architecture, so important for the memory of Goiânia, became obstacles for the population to give value to the area concerning the Worker’s Square. The urban landscape of a city must consist not only of new buildings and spaces but also of the old ones so that vitality is maintained and the history of the city preserved and passed on to future generations. That is why the preservation and maintenance of cities’ spaces are indispensable, they are not only the duty of public power but of all its citizens.

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