Paper short abstract:

In the Parque das Nações we can observe a sense of place developed between the residents and their area, and also a sense of selective avoidance directed at ‘others’ in different scales.

Paper long abstract:

Parque das Nações is the most recent neighbourhood of the Lisbon city, inherited from the World Exhibition Expo'98. Focusing analysis solely on the perspectives of the residents, it is the aim of this paper to illustrate the role that this space assumes in the dynamics of identity and social differentiation perceived at two distinct scales: 1) the Parque das Nações and its residents as opposed to the outside world; 2) where people live as the differentiating element within the Parque das Nações.

Nonetheless, it is important to mention that the intelligibility of these two scales depends on two factors that are intrinsic to this area. On the one hand, it is divided by its peripheral situation in the context of the city of Lisbon and by the fact that it is split between the municipalities of Lisbon and Loures. On the other hand, the attraction of a large number of visitors by the scale and quality of the public spaces, and especially the predominance of visitors coming from the surrounding areas of Loures, serves to unite the residents and to avoid the presence of 'others'.