A Saving Urbanism | Rachel de Queiroz Park in Brazil
- Arq. Cristian Galvis
- May 17
- 3 min read
Author: Cristian Galvis
Architect, creative and designer. I am passionate about trends, drawing and photography.
BUILDING: Parque Rachel de Queiroz
ARCHITECTS: Architectus S/S
PHOTGRAPHY: Joana França
LOCATION: Fortaleza, Brasil.
YEAR: 2022
M2: 90969 m²
Let's talk about how architecture is capable of rescuing the environment and including it in the urban landscape, making urbanism an alternative to mitigate the negative impact of city dynamics on the natural cycle.
In the early morning hours, the movement begins. In general, those in gym clothes choose to practice some physical activity of their choice. Walking, running, outdoor gymnastics, cycling, soccer and volleyball are just some of the options available.
All this around 9 interconnected lakes, the wetlands..
The Rachel Park is 10 km long and covers about 203 hectares. Because of its great length, the project has been divided into 19 sections, two of which have already been completed. The concept used for the design of the project was the Linear Park, using the structure of the existing road system as a link between the green areas that cut through 8 neighborhoods in the west zone of the capital of Ceará.
The sixth section, recently inaugurated, rescues a degraded area that for many years was a source of concern for the population of the Presidente Kennedy neighborhood.
The largest area available for intervention in the Park area was a large vacant lot, occupied by an irregular landfill and clandestine sewage. This situation contributed to aggravate the contamination of the Cachoeirinha stream, a water resource that cuts through the land and structures the largest area of the linear park.
Occupying one of the city's flooded preservation areas, the Rachel de Queiroz Park project adopted the drainage system as a structural element. The wetland technique was used to improve the water quality of the Cachoeirinha Stream, as well as to create a flood buffer system.
Based on the hydrological studies, 9 interconnected artificial lakes were proposed that perform a natural filtering process of the stream and rainwater, through the process of decantation and phytoremediation. This process is carried out by microorganisms that attach themselves both to the soil surface and to the roots of the aquatic plants in the ponds.
Since the park occupies an extensive area, the connection between spaces was an essential aspect for its full use. With this in mind, two metal footbridges were proposed to cross the Cachoeirinha Stream, so that the stream does not become a physical barrier. Made with a steel structure and concrete floor, the footbridges guarantee easy access, especially for visitors arriving from Rua Licurgo Montenegro.
The paths between the lakes lead visitors to structured areas of permanence with various cultural, sports and leisure facilities. Amphitheater, dog park, multi-sports courts, children's playground, reading space, outdoor gymnasium are just some of the activities available.
A bi-directional path that surrounds the entire perimeter of the park guarantees a safe and adequate space for walking, running and cycling. From the beginning of the project, the diversity of uses provided by the Raquel de Queiroz Park program of needs was designed to include and encourage the appropriation of the space by the population, understanding the use of the area as a fundamental component for environmental sustainability.
Urban parks fulfill their function as lungs within the city, giving a respite to the agitation and densification, taking care of wetlands and green masses is what will face the fight we have lost against climate change, taking care of them is our responsibility.
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