I WATERFRONT

continues toward the water, where the planting plan incorporates a single kind of native grass (Axonopus repens or carpet grass). The fourth area corresponds to a system of concrete bleachers that negotiate the existing elevation changes and where diverse herbaceous plants and shrubs define edges and outline gathering spaces. At the upper level, the fifth area is an urban esplanade that includes a bike and pedestrian path and is the only section where large trees were planted. “With this linear space, we want to generate a buffer to help reestablish habitat connectivity and the natural relationship between the city and the water’s edge”, explains Oliveira Perna.

The new waterfront becomes a large urban and natural linear space providing recreation, leisure, and contemplation options. The highest level, particularly vibrant due to the proximity to heavily used vehicular arteries and the noise and dynamics of the city, is where the project incorporates a magical 300-meterlong installation. Made up of fibre optic lights laid into the pavement that suddenly glow, all at the same time when the sun goes down, and daylight fades, these thousands of tiny lights create what is locally known as “piso estrelado”, or starry floor. Almost four years after it was finished, people delight in these new connections to the water’s edge at sunset.

As part of the urban proposal, sculptures and installations placed along the shoreline, initially exhibited at the 2005 Mercosul Biennale, were restored or renovated and left at their original locations as iconic local landmarks. In addition, some historic disused buildings near the water were repurposed for new public uses, such as the old gasometer that will house a cultural centre.

The second stage of the project, completed in October 2021, had a different specific goal. As a response to people’s needs and demand for public sportive areas, this phase of the plan focuses on creating a series of fields from where the view of the river remains a key condition. Replicating the linear shape of the first stage, developed along the existing continuous waterfront, this new piece has a larger average width (approximately 100 meters) and offers twenty-nine different sports fields and courts, including soccer, basketball, tennis, volleyball and beach volleyball, skating and the largest skatepark in Latin America. Open at day and night hours, every one of the fields and courts can be booked utilising a custom app created by the city government. During the summer of 2023, with record-breaking temperatures, forty percent of the reservations were made for night practices. Completed with a thoughtful lighting design, surveillance and parking spaces, this almost one and half kilometre-long piece has been wildly popular since it first opened.

The golden hour still is, without exception, the most crowded.

This is an updated version, including the new stages of the project, of an article published in Landscape Architecture Magazine, by Jimena Martignoni.

Location: City of Porto Alegre, Brazil

Date of completion: First Stage, 2018; Second Stage. 2021

Planning and Urban Design: Jaime Lerner

Arquitetos Associados

Landscape Plan: Environmental and Landscape

Consultant Carlos Oliveira Perna

Local Coordination: Architect Oscar Coelho

Area: 6 hectares. Length: 4 kilometres

Photography: Leonardo Finotti / City Government

I Farmhouse

Situated in the lush environs of Chattarpur Farms, Delhi, this luxury farmhouse reflects the distinctive style of its owner, Rishabh Kapoor, Director of the esteemed architectural and interiors firm Design Deconstruct. Exuding flamboyance and a larger-than-life attitude, the house boasts unconventional design elements that leave a lasting impression. From floating crystal art pieces in the ceiling to captivating paintings hanging from above, floor-toceiling chandeliers, and statement-making furniture, the residence is adorned with life-sized paintings and sculptures.

The farmhouse’s extravagant character is further accentuated by bold architectural features such as massive double-height decks with balconies, providing an airy ambience and panoramic views. The second floor’s double-height ceiling creates a sense of enormous spatial volume, adding to the home’s opulence.