All the stories in the Google maps take place in the West São Paulo area. They are part of a group of 22 life stories of residents of the Belém, Pari, Brás, and Mooca neighborhoods, collected in 1999. The characters present quite distinct stories. Their lives cross in space and time but are pervaded by very different historical heritages. Through their stories, we see how the same territory can be shared in time and yet seen and experienced from each individual’s historical times and personal conditions. Living in the same territory is not necessary peaceful, especially when the experiences are of total social exclusion. The presence of the other often means “invasion”, decline, and breaking the identity originally established and is shared by a given group.

Read the article How Life stories can show hidden cities, of Karen Worcman (*.pdf)