Shopping centers e a reconfiguração do espaço urbano em Chapecó: dinâmicas, impactos e desafio

Abstract

The development of urban centers in Brazil has been characterized by profound spatial and social changes, particularly in medium-sized cities in the interior. In Chapecó, recent transformations in the urban landscape have been driven by the construction of shopping malls and large commercial projects. This study specifically addresses the analysis of the dynamics, effects, and challenges that these establishments bring to the municipality’s urban structure. The research was conducted using both qualitative and quantitative methods, including literature review, analysis of official documents, collection of secondary data, and fieldwork. The main impact areas of the shopping centers were analyzed, focusing on the neighborhoods where Patio Shopping and Pulse Open Mall are located, in order to understand changes in land use, real estate valuation, commercial dynamics, and urban mobility. The analysis was complemented by interviews with government representatives, business owners, and residents, which made it possible to identify local perceptions and experiences. The results show that the construction of shopping centers in Chapecó has helped create new centralities, altering urban flows and leading to the appreciation of land and real estate in surrounding areas. While challenges have arisen for traditional commerce and the management of mobility and traffic, there has also been a strengthening of the service sector and the creation of new jobs. Furthermore, the growth of these developments is linked both to processes of socio-spatial segregation and to increased pressure on urban regions that were previously residential or underutilized. It can be concluded that shopping centers play a fundamental role in the reconfiguration of Chapecó urban space, bringing economic benefits but also requiring integrated public policies to ensure sustainable urban development, social inclusion, and environmental preservation. The research emphasizes the importance of planning strategies that take into account the various effects of these enterprises and foster a more balanced and resilient city.