Open-Range System at the São José das Borboletas Farm

CATANDUVA – SÃO PAULO

Linear Park at São José das Borboletas Farm

The system of open spaces at São José das Borboletas Farm, an urban expansion area in Catanduva, was conceived as a structuring element for the real estate development of the area.

It encompasses the Permanent Preservation Areas of the territory, green areas, and the old farm headquarters—with its central courtyard, church, and mansion—that preserve the memory of the place. The system of open spaces functions as a vector for conservation, environmental recovery, and integration with nature.

Along the park, diverse recreational uses were proposed, ranging from daily activities like sports courts and playgrounds to tourist and community facilities serving as anchors for the population of Catanduva and neighboring cities.

The design of the park reflects the transition between the natural and built environments and features varying degrees of intervention. The areas near the developments were designed as urban parks, with more significant interventions and facilities for daily use, such as sports courts, playgrounds, and outdoor gyms. The intermediate areas, situated between the urbanized sections and the environmental conservation zones, function as transition zones with moderate intervention. The preservation areas or those with greater environmental vulnerability were kept in their natural state, with minimal interventions to form a natural park.

The layout of the park was inspired by the design of the agricultural activities at São João das Borboletas Farm, which followed the contour lines of the terrain, creating a sinuous pattern when viewed from above.

The anchor attractions are strategically distributed along the linear park to maintain a continuous flow of visitors and increase its appeal. The old farm headquarters, which holds significant symbolic value, has been preserved and repurposed as a community area for the new neighborhood, including a restaurant, bars, and event spaces. The club represents another anchor attraction, offering leisure and social areas for residents of the city and surrounding areas, such as sports facilities, a natural pool, and a restaurant. Additionally, two tourist attractions focused on children have been proposed: a small farm and an adventure park.