ESPAÇOS CEMITERIAIS NA FORMA DA CIDADE: CONTRIBUIÇÕES PARA O SISTEMA DE ESPAÇOS LIVRES E HUMANIZAÇÃO DAS CIDADES CONTEMPORÂNEAS

DOI 10.64082/phs.2025.01.5.4

Abstract

Cemeterial spaces in the shape of the city:
contributions to the open space system and the
humanization of contemporary cities
The contemporary urban world has presented
challenges that demand assertive and integrated
proposals for healthier and more humane
urbanism. A more humane city favors spaces
that are inclusive, accessible, and geared toward
people’s needs, well-being, and quality of life.
Within this logic, cemeteries play a significant
role due to their multifaceted character, which
transcends the utilitarian sanitary aspect related
to the burial of bodies, also presenting functions in
the cultural, historical, social, and environmental
dimensions of the context in which they are
inserted. Because they generally occupy significant
extensions of the urban fabric, they can become
real enclaves if they are not designed to interact
with the city’s open space system and the social
context in which they are located. Thus, this article
aims to reflect on the contributions of cemetery
spaces in the configuration of contemporary
cities, focusing on São Paulo, questioning their
impact on urban morphology and potential in
the configuration of the open space system, and
reflecting on the humanization of cities. The
method chosen was based on an integrative review
of the literature on the subject, together with
fieldwork that consisted of ethnographic incursions
carried out between 2012 and 2024.
Keywords: urban morphology; open space system;
human city; cemeterial spaces; healthy urban
planning