Nature-based solutions for public spaces: reinventing the city through the water cycle

Pierre-André Martin, Amanda Saboya and Caroline Fernandes

This session proposes a reflection on the transformative role of Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) in the ecological, symbolic and social reconfiguration of urban public spaces. Inserted in the second thematic axis of the 14th BIAsp – Living with waters –, the proposal is based on experiences that combine architecture, urbanism and landscaping with the regeneration of ecosystems, valuing strategies that strengthen territorial resilience and climate justice.

Initiatives ranging from the renaturalization of water bodies and slope stabilization to urban redesign and community co-creation of public spaces will be presented, discussing the application of NBS as a strategy for climate resilience, environmental justice, and reconnecting the city with its water systems.

Among the highlights will be project experiences related to the proposed topic, developed by the firm Ecomimesis Soluções Ecológicas, represented by its partners Amanda Saboya, Caroline Fernandes, and Pierre-André Martin. In particular, the Realengo Susana Naspolini Park in Rio de Janeiro will be presented, a project that encompasses a wide range of Nature-Based Solutions aimed at managing rainwater and mitigating the effects of climate change.

The session also invites participation from other national and international experiences – urban, peripheral, or natural – that address coexistence with water as a tool for urban restructuring, environmental regeneration, and social inclusion, contributing to a broad agenda of innovation in territorially sensitive ecological infrastructure.

Presentations:

Urban Sustainability: Mapping Green and Blue Connections Around Realengo Park, RJ
Pierre-André Martin, Amanda Saboya and Caroline Fernandes

Wetland Living Lab: water as a generator of a post-carbon landscape
Oriana Alessandra Durán del Valle, Mariela Martínez Álvarez and Andrea Reyna Aguilar

Bamboo containment experiences for slopes in the municipality of Franco da Rocha – SP
Nathalia da Mata Mazzonetto Pinto and Marcos Paulo Ladeia

From the Jaguaribe River Basin to Climate Justice: Public Spaces Supporting Nature-Based Solutions and Water Compensation in João Pessoa
Bruna Ramos Tejo and Ruth Maria da Costa Ataíde

Nature-based community solutions in the Uberaba Stream Basin, São Paulo/SP
Elisa Ramalho Rocha, Lara Cristina Batista Freitas and Luis Octavio PL de Faria e Silva

Free

Registration

Registrations must be made here.

Selection will be made in order of registration.

Registration will be open until the start of the activity, on site, as long as there are spaces available.

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.