Politic of cities, urban requalification and heritage – the case of Polis of Leiria

Abstract

The urban territories accompany new paradigms of development and change in the context of designs which aim to promote the territories more competitive, attractive and cohesive, with cultural and economic value. The urban requalification, as essential instrument of urban sustainability and strategic process, involves the articulation and integration of various components, reflects the trend toward re-use of existing equipment and infrastructure, and presents an opportunity to safeguard and enhance the heritage. This theoretical matrix will be deepened through a case study (the city of Leiria) related to the implementation of the Polis Programme, in order to analyse the effects of spatial organization level, safeguarding and enhancement of heritage and perception and links for citizens who live and use the intervention areas.