Miscibilidade Social e Sustentabilidade Urbana em Matosinhos

Abstract

This paper explores a discussion behind the concept of social mixity as a main value on urban development analysis and as main criteria for urban policies on social inclusion and cohesive communities aims. There is no consensus on the definition of the social mix concept. Moreover, conceptual frameworks on quantitative indicators are in a beginning stage and results are still very restricted. A methodological contribution is made by a social mixity index proposal, including statistical sources, geographical reference options and mathematical and statistical formulations. An empirical study case is applied to the Portuguese north municipality of Matosinhos, including the elaboration of an urban quarter’s typology on social diversity and the quantification and analysis of the social mixity index disaggregated for both sectorial and spatial levels. Urban regeneration operations are an opportunity to social mixity based strategies. Three strategic axes are proposed: vacant houses on housing market and housing rehabilitation must be privileged on new social housing policies; involvement and participated planning methodologies must be implemented as tools for community cohesion and inter-social relationships improvements; School networks and socio-school diverse profiles must be a counterbalance to urban socio-spatial uniformity.