Urban and Natural Parks of Gramado
RIO GRANDE DO SUL – BRASIL
Rescue of public green space
The municipality of Gramado is in the Region of Hortênsias, one of the most important tourist regions in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, and is also part of the Serra Gaúcha, which receives more than 2.5 million tourists per year. Gramado stands out for being among the best and most sought-after tourist destinations in Brazil, receiving in 2015 almost 1.5 million tourists – 44 times the local population of 34 thousand inhabitants at the time of the study.
The work aimed to analyze the potential and models of partnerships in three parks in Gramado to create new visitation areas intended not only for tourism, but also designed for the use of the local population. A diagnosis was developed, surveying the current situation of each park with identification of the main demands, in addition to the survey and characterization of public spaces in the city and near surroundings; vision of the future with development of the activity matrix; proposals at the preliminary study level, identifying the locations of proposed interventions and activities.
The parks are relatively close to each other. Parque das Orquídeas is in the central area of the city. The Parque dos Pinheiros, 7 km away from the first, is located to the north, about Mato Queimado. Parque Carriéri is located south of the city center, 3.5 km from the first.
Parque das Orquídeas covers a public area of 12 hectares and, at the time of the development of the study, it was closed to visitors, with no support infrastructure. Parque dos Pinheiros is the largest of the parks studied, with an area of 133 hectares, presenting both urban and natural character due to its insertion area and the exuberant nature present in the place. Parque Carriéri is the smallest of the parks studied, with 1.1 hectares. At the same time, as a neighbor of Lago Negro, an important tourist attraction in Gramado, it hosts events and presentations in partnership with Lago Negro.
The parks have three different scales and approaches, so for each one, a matrix of specific activities was developed respecting the conditions of the area and exploring its potential.
In the study, the vocation of Parque dos Pinheiros as the main natural and urban park in Gramado will be strengthened, with the proposal for the ordering of visiting spaces and improvements to the existing infrastructure. The activities were organized in three groups: Arrival, Activities and Natural.
The arrival nucleus comprises the access structure to the park; the core of activities concentrates several attractions, such as a canopy walk, canopy walk, zipline tower, tree climbing, boats for walking on the lake and a panoramic restaurant. In the natural nucleus, interventions are minimal, providing the visitor with a walk-through trails and spaces for contemplating nature.
The concept of the projects prioritizes integration with the surroundings and the landscape of the place. The proposed restaurant offers a panoramic view of the lake and incorporates water as a structural element of architecture. The green roof associated with rainwater catchment solutions, in addition to providing greater integration of the new building with the landscape, helps to promote the building’s energy efficiency.
The activities module, which will serve as a support point for the natural nucleus, may contain different uses such as a structure for bird watching, a contemplation deck, among others.
Parque Carriéri has great potential to consolidate itself as an important public space for the city. The project proposes the restructuring of the park with new infrastructure and diversification of activities, valuing the central square with uses for living and leisure, children’s playground, amphitheater, and food service.
Parque das Orquídeas has the vocation of green lungs in the center of Gramado, housing a large flower garden and spaces for contemplation. Located at the highest point of the central area, the park provides significant views of the city and conforms as a lookout park.
