PROJECT PARTNER(S)
client: FUPAM, a foundation supporting the research and publication of faculty at the architecture school of the University of Sao Paulo (USP)
designers: Nate Cormier of SvR, Paulo Pellegrino of USP

LOCATION
Sao Paulo, Brazil


GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE ELEMENTS
3RG, 2Wp, 2Sy

DESCRIPTION
The foundation has offices and classrooms in a recently renovated home near the university's main gate. Three garden rooms--wood, gravel, and wetland--create spaces for learning and relaxing while also retaining stormwater from the paved areas and roof downspouts. The three rooms are linked by a teak boardwalk (sustainably harvested as part of FUPAM research project). Under the central deck of the wood garden is a simple rain garden made of a gravel-filled depression. This overflows beneath the boardwalk to a second gravel-filled depression that forms the ground plane of the minimal gravel garden. This second one overflows beneath the boardwalk to the wetland (not yet planted) rain garden in front of the building. Gabions form benches and retaining walls throughout the gardens. Native vines will be planted on fine metal screens hanging on surrounding walls.

PHOTOS AND DRAWINGS


LESSONS LEARNED
what can we learn from this place? you could address issues of performance, funding, maintenance, interpretation, aesthetics, anything...

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES