New Eldorado

PLANT

Project implementation: Brazil
Project development: Brazil

Nova Eldorado is located in a unique area, located in a wetland area between the Lower Jacuí and Lake Guaíba basins, at the transition point between the Pampa and Atlantic Forest biomes. The flat terrain, historically cultivated for rice farming, requires intelligent solutions for drainage and stormwater management. In this context, water management becomes a structuring element, guiding development and occupation guidelines.

More than an urban development, this is a planned neighborhood focused on sustainability, quality of life, and integration between city and nature. Through nature-based solutions, infrastructure, communities, and natural cycles are connected in a way that enhances the local ecosystem and enhances its resilience.

The urban design project, developed by Area Urbanismo, and the urban drainage solutions, designed by Geasa Engenharia, translate this vision into an integrated plan, in which the landscaping and urban design project, designed by PLANTAR, plays a central role: it organizes public spaces, weaves together green areas and ecological corridors, makes water the protagonist and creates environments that encourage active mobility, collective use and coexistence.

The large central park, located on the banks of the buffer lakes in the heart of the neighborhood, combines environmental function with appreciation of the natural landscape, becoming a structuring hub for flows, activities, and encounters. With programs that enliven daily life—fairs, community events, sports facilities, and community areas—the park has established itself as a meeting point and urban pulse of Nova Eldorado, promoting well-being, social interaction, and contact with nature.

The villas, arranged perpendicular to the park, create smooth transitions in the landscape, accommodate specific uses, and reinforce the urban presence. Their color palettes, inspired by local flora, and urban furniture contribute to creating emotional landmarks, strengthening the bond between residents and the land.

An ABC & Embralot project, Nova Eldorado features landscaping and urban design by PLANTAR, a studio specializing in designing and enhancing territories, working at the intersection of landscape, urban planning, architecture, and design. Founded in 2016 by architects Luciana Pitombo and Felipe Stracci, PLANTAR combines sensitive perception, multidisciplinary vision, and technical rigor to connect stakeholders, systems, and knowledge, proposing solutions that strengthen relationships, enhance spaces, and transform realities.

With expertise across multiple scales—from furniture and gardens to neighborhoods, parks, and complex urban areas—the studio offers full-service delivery for outdoor spaces, including feasibility studies, business plans, and operational management, with end-to-end expertise, from consulting and structuring to implementation and operation.

Its purpose is to create places that connect people to nature, others, and themselves, generating social, environmental, economic, and cultural value. Across Brazil, PLANTAR has structured more than 60 concession and PPP projects for parks and public-use assets, as well as private ventures across various typologies and segments, always focusing on sustainability, innovation, and the connection between nature and urbanity.

We thank everyone who participated and visited the 14th São Paulo International Architecture Biennial, from September 18 to October 19, 2025

NOTE OF CONDOLENCE

With deep sorrow, the Brazilian Institute of Architects – São Paulo Department (IABsp) mourns the passing of architect and landscape architect Kongjian Yu, a global leader in ecological urbanism, and the members of his team who accompanied him, tragically killed during the filming of a documentary. The institute is honored to have had him as a participant in the 14th São Paulo International Architecture Biennial, where his transformative vision strengthened the dialogue between global challenges and local realities. IABsp emphasizes that Yu's contribution, which transcends borders, will remain an inspiration for generations and expresses its condolences to China, to the families of all the deceased, to his friends, and to all those impacted by his genius and dedication. Read the full note here.