In order to sort spaces and give back to urban centers their lost hegemonic role, contemporary urban policies have been seeking to foster different modes of intervention called "revitalization" or "requalification". The city, facing the valorization of its historical heritage, then becomes the object of architectural renovations and reforms, aimed at preservation, allowing for images and brands. The central objective of this paper is to reflect on the interventions in the contemporary metropolitan urban centers, including the most recent experiences conducted in Brazilian northeastern cities. This paper, less interested in making propositional assessments, analyzes symbolic concepts and conflicts that guide practices of "revitalization." The presence of various consumers of public space (tourists, residents, merchants etc.) and the controversies surrounding the cultural and economic investments will serve as a guide for the ideas in the text.
urban center; "revitalization"; public space; tourism; metropolis