Verde Paranoa: Sustainable Nature-Based Solutions for Urban Issues

Abstract

This project explores the comprehensive urban regeneration initiative undertaken in Paranoa, Brazil, a town situated in close proximity to the modernist capital city of Brasilia. Commencing with an in-depth analysis of the area, our study identified key challenges, including an intense heat island effect, insufficient green spaces, deteriorating infrastructure, compromised road safety for soft mobility modes, and a lack of higher education facilities. Employing the Integrated Modification Methodology (IMM) to investigate the Complex Adaptive System (CAS) and comprehend urban morphology, our intervention focused on addressing these pressing issues. The proposed intervention introduces a refined urban layout emphasising the creation of open green spaces within densely populated neighbourhoods and establishing a green connection network to facilitate and promote soft mobility and enhance urban permeability. Nature-based solutions play a pivotal role in mitigating heat and elevating the comfort of city residents. Given the extensive urban area covering approximately 2 million square meters, we strategically implemented a “pilot hub” of around 80,000 square meters to serve as an exemplary model for potential widespread interventions, aiming to amplify the overall performance of the CAS. In the pilot hub, our proposal involves expanding a public square into a vast open green space hosting a three-story multi-functional building. This structure accommodates an educational facility on the ground floor and two residential floors, utilising innovative nature-based solutions for energy efficiency and heat management. This integrated approach not only addresses immediate challenges in the pilot hub but also sets a precedent for sustainable urban development strategies applicable to broader contexts.