Master plan to transform wetlands into territorial structures

Espinosa, Álvez, Von der Ahe, Castillo, Arriagada, Agurto, MMA: Álvarez, Cornejo

Project implementation: Chile
Project development: Chile

Unregulated urban expansion and growing pressure on coastal ecosystems have intensified ecological fragmentation, biodiversity loss, and increased socio-environmental risk in several Chilean cities. In response, Law 21.202 (2020), which establishes legal protection for urban wetlands, emerges as an opportunity to redefine the city-nature relationship, both through territorial design and through integrated, multi-level governance. The central challenge, however, lies in translating regulatory frameworks, scientific knowledge, and social demands into spatially coherent and applicable public policies. The case of the Rocuant-Andalién Wetlands System, in the metropolitan region of Concepción, highlights such socio-ecological conflicts and the institutional fragmentation that limits their resolution.
Within the scope of the GEF Coastal Wetlands Project, of the Ministry of the Environment and UNEP, this study proposes the development of a land use and urban design plan that integrates ecological conservation with urban, social, and governance needs. The proposal is based on three axes: (i) articulating prior environmental diagnoses with an urban-spatial analysis of the system; (ii) prioritizing restoration areas as projective ecological infrastructure and a city-nature interface; (iii) employing design as a tool for intersectoral mediation between the State, communities, academia, and the private sector.
The methodology combines documentary review, fieldwork, projective cartographic analysis, and participatory workshops with multiple institutional and civil society stakeholders. The result is the creation of a Border Area System (BAS), a territorial framework that structures decisions on restoration, risk protection, and land use management, facilitating coordination across planning scales and levels of government.
The final product is a Master Plan for Spatial Planning and Urban Design that recognizes wetlands as critical ecological infrastructure and, at the same time, as a catalyst for an emerging model of territorial governance. The visions developed for four emblematic sectors address specific urban-environmental conflicts and offer solutions that combine green infrastructure, public space, and ecologically adapted housing. More than just a design (understood as a means, not an end), the plan consolidates itself as an experimental instrument for institutional coordination, capable of mobilizing projects, resources, and agreements among multiple actors, strengthening more resilient governance in urban areas marked by the climate and ecological crisis. As practical evidence, a systematic and detailed inventory of the initiatives, projects, and funding derived from the master plan is presented.

Participate in the program of debates, workshops and associated activities!

TODAY (10/13)

13.10 – activity Pantanal Action at IABsp

IN THE NEXT DAYS (14 to 19.10)

10/14 | 10am – table Urgent Panorama! Space as an act of permanence

14.10 | 15h – Biomaterials Mini-Workshops at the Living Lab

14.10 | 17h – Biomaterials Mini-Workshops at the Living Lab

14.10 | 6pm – Launch of the “Nature-Based Education” Guide

10/15 | 10am – For an Anti-Racist Adaptation

15.10 | 2pm – workshop senseBox:bike: bikes and data with open technologies

15.10 | 3pm – Academic Meetings: Escola da Cidade talks with the curators

15.10 | 3pm – workshop Sustainable studio: jewelry and accessories made from recycled plastic at the Living Lab

15.10 | 6pm – Technical assistance to communities in Bahia

10/15 | 8:00 PM – activity Cine Fluxo Cart in the Mauá Occupation

10/16 | 10am – Presidents' Forum CAU/SP

16.10 | 3pm – Biomaterials Mini-Workshops at the Living Lab

16.10 | 17h – Biomaterials Mini-Workshops at the Living Lab

16.10 | 6pm – table Revive the Center with Eduardo Paes (Mayor of Rio de Janeiro and president of the National Front of Mayors), Alê Youssef (former Secretary of Culture of São Paulo), Marta Moreira (partner at the MMBB office) 

16.10 – activity Urgent Overview! Visit to the Paraisópolis Complex

17.10 | 10am – table Citizen Science in Climate Adaptation

17.10 | 2pm – table Black Women for Climate: Strengthening Urban Peripheries 

17.10 | 15:30 – table Territorial climate action and justice

17.10 | 6pm – table Living Periphery

18.10 | 10am – table Taking action for climate adaptation from the Public Authorities

18.10 | 10am – workshop Design marathon to communicate fair, resilient and low-carbon cities

18.10 | 2pm – table Achieving decarbonization and resilience in the built environment

18.10 | 3pm – Alfredo Sirkis Piratininga Park Book Launch – Nature, Innovation and Socio-Environmental Justice

18.10 | 4pm – Publication Launch of the II Climate Emergency and City Seminar

18.10 | 6pm – Closing Session of the 14th BIAsp – Paths to the Future

18.10 | 19:30 – International Schools Competition Award at the 14th International Architecture Biennial 

19.10 | 5pm – activity Urgent Panorama! Visit to the Panorama Lab project in Jardim Panorama 

19.10 – TRIBUTE TO ARCHITECT KONGJIAN YU

JOIN! IT'S ALL FREE!

The Biennial is open until October 19th!

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.