Recife, a metropolis of 3.8 million inhabitants and the capital of Pernambuco state in northeastern Brazil faces significant urban challenges. Like many Brazilian cities, the middle class has largely moved out of the city centre. During the day, the area is bustling with activity from shops, educational institutions, and offices. However, at night, many neighbourhoods are deserted and unsafe, with numerous buildings partially or fully vacant. Meanwhile, 40% of Recife's population lives in poverty. The city grapples with high levels of drug-related crime, and over 800,000 people live in precarious conditions in favelas, both around and within the city centre, as well as in abandoned office buildings. Approximately 1,500 people are homeless.

In the past decade, civil initiatives like Reclaim the Streets and government urban renewal projects have sought to revitalize the city centre. Programs promoting culture, recreation, and cycling—such as car-free Sundays—have begun to make the area more appealing to the middle class. As a result, some neighbourhoods have seen an influx of young middle-class residents, accompanied by new cafés, restaurants, and educational institutions. However, this limited transformation has also led to the displacement of poorer residents in affected neighbourhoods.

Recife is also one of the world's most climate-vulnerable cities. Built on former low-lying swamp areas, it increasingly suffers from flooding and erosion. The lack of green spaces, combined with frequent heatwaves, exacerbates the urban heat island effect and contributes to drought in many neighbourhoods.

This master’s thesis research aims to explore how Recife’s city centre can be revitalised in a socially equitable way, in collaboration with vulnerable groups and their civic organisations, including squatter movements. The focus will be on repurposing vacant public and private buildings and urban areas to create safe, socially sustainable, healthy, and climate-resilient neighbourhoods. These areas should provide housing for vulnerable populations such as the homeless and favela residents.

The research will address both long-term structural solutions and short-term interventions. A key emphasis will be placed on immediate improvements in urban districts through civil actions and tactical urbanism. Examples include activating public spaces with playgrounds, sports facilities, community restaurants and cafés, temporary housing projects, and markets, sometimes in partnership with government entities.

Additionally, the study will examine the legal, administrative, and organisational aspects of urban renewal and vacancy management in Recife’s city centre, ensuring a comprehensive approach to the city’s complex challenges.