The right to the city in dispute: the case of the Zeis of Lagamar (Fortaleza – Northeastern Brazil)

Abstract

This work discusses the Zonas Especiais de Interesse Social (Zeis – Social Housing Zones), an instrument regulated by the City Statute. Their potential contribution to reduce the housing deficit, to control urban growth and to promote real income redistribution in the city, are considered. The paper approaches the origin of the Zeis in the context of the recent history of Brazil’s urban social movements. Finally, the case of the Zeis of Lagamar in the city of Fortaleza (Northeastern Brazil) is discussed, due to the peculiarities of the process that led to its inclusion in Fortaleza’s Participatory Master Plan, approved in 2009.