Urban public spaces in Teresina’s new Master Plan for Territorial Planning

Abstract Public spaces affect urban dynamics, with implications for environmental and cultural management, the population’s well-being, and local sustainability. Thus, the correct regulation and management of urban spaces has potential for promoting the democratic place. This article analyzes the Municipal Complementary Law n. 5.481/2019 – the new Master Plan of Teresina (acronym in Portuguese: PDOT) –, mapping the approach to and the treatment of the issue of urban space. It also surveys the state-of-the-art in urban open spaces. The conclusion is that the PDOT presents protective devices for urban spaces but does not use effective tools to identify, manage and preserve urban open spaces within the scope of the municipality of Teresina.