Latin American Journal of the Built Environment & Sustainability
"Revista Latino-Americana de Ambiente Construído & Sustentabilidade" tem como objetivo divulgar trabalhos científicos, resultado de pesquisas empíricas, experimentais ou conceituais, resultantes de pesquisas. Atenção - A partir de 1 de janeiro de 2026 os artigos serão publicados em inglês e português. Alunos de graduação podem publicar, desde que em autoria ou coautoria de professor mestre ou doutor da instituição de ensino.
ANAP - Associação Amigos da Natureza da Alta Paulista
Objective – To analyze the homeless population in Brazil, focusing on the city of São Paulo, understanding their origins, hopes, expectations and ways of experiencing the urban environment. To examine possible alternatives to mitigate the problem, highlighting the importance of the homeless themselves as protagonists in the proposed solutions. Methodology – The study uses a qualitative approach based on cartography methodology. Information was collected through documentary analysis, in addition to secondary data collection from research and reports from national and international institutions, such as IPEA, IBGE, Oxfam and FEANTSA. Originality/Relevance – Contributes to the understanding of urban invisibility and its relationship with the unequal production of urban space. It highlights the impact of the economic model on social exclusion and critically analyzes the commitments of the SDGs and the New Urban Agenda, highlighting a mismatch between the proposed principles and urban reality. Results – The study indicates a 211% increase in the homeless population in Brazil between 2012 and 2022, with a higher concentration in the wealthiest cities, especially in São Paulo. The main factors are the increase in housing costs, economic inequality, urban segregation and hostile architecture. The research refutes the view that drug addiction is the main cause of the phenomenon, highlighting unemployment, family conflicts and homelessness as predominant factors. Theoretical/Methodological Contributions – The research contributes to the debate on urban invisibility and social exclusion, based on authors such as Ítalo Calvino, Zygmunt Bauman and Adela Cortina. The study broadens the understanding of urban marginalization and questions the prevailing view that homelessness results only from individual factors, highlighting the influence of the socioeconomic structure on social exclusion. Social and Environmental Contributions – The study highlights the social impacts of aporophobia and housing exclusion, with an emphasis on São Paulo. Furthermore, it highlights the need to combat practices such as hostile architecture, which increase social segregation and the vulnerability of the homeless.
Copyright (c) 2025 Latin American Journal of the Built Environment & Sustainability https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Objective – to investigate the international scientific literature on land regularization, focusing on Latin American countries. Methodology – bibliometric analysis using the Scopus database, covering the period from 1990 to 2024, defined based on historical and regulatory milestones that directly influenced the configuration of Latin American urban territories and land tenure and use processes. Originality/Relevance – provides an exploratory systematization of the scientific production on land regularization in Latin America, highlighting possible patterns, gaps, and trends. Results – the findings reveal a significant increase in scientific output over the last decade, but with a strong asymmetry between volume and impact: Brazil stands out as the leader in publications, yet with limited international visibility. Debates are mainly concentrated on “land titling” and “property rights”, while integrated approaches to land governance and sustainability remain underexplored. Four main axes of discussion are identified — security of tenure, land governance, territorial justice, and socio-environmental impacts — but gaps persist in bridging theory and practice, particularly in connection with regional public policies. Theoretical/Methodological Contributions – identification of the main thematic axes, actors involved, and predominant approaches in indexed literature, deepening the debate and providing inputs for future research. Social and Environmental Contributions – reinforces the importance of land regularization debates for socio-spatial inclusion, access to urban services, and the promotion of sustainable practices in land use and management.
Infrastructure licensing as an instrument for urban resilience in informal settlements
Objective – to assess how Brazilian law addresses the redevelopment of informal settlements, from the perspective of licensing essential urban infrastructure, with the aim of identifying whether current rules trigger municipalities to carry out redevelopment interventions, with the driving element being the need to adapt the informal city guided by resilience to change. Methodology – the research was developed in two interconnected stages: the first stage consisted of an exploratory and bibliographical investigation, based on books, articles and periodicals focused on Urban Law (especially from the perspective of the Federal Constitution of 1988, the City Statute, the Reurb Law, the National Guidelines for Basic Sanitation, and other related laws); and the second stage consisted of field research focused on the analysis of a specific Reurb process completed before the chosen Municipality (São Sebastião). Originality/Relevance – the research aims to fill a regulatory and technical gap regarding the need to implement urban infrastructure in informal urban centers, enabling them to withstand climate change and environmental disasters. The study's relevance lies in rethinking how the institution of urban land regularization, through the lens of urban infrastructure implementation, can be improved by incorporating elements of urban resilience. Results – it is concluded, at the end of the work, that the land regularization institute is regulated under a premise of granting broad discretion to the Public Power in relation to interventions in infrastructure to be carried out in informal urban centers, which when linked to the budgetary and institutional limitations of the Municipalities, tends to reduce the technology and investments directed to these interventions, suggesting the need to review the law, so that it has a footprint focused on urban resilience. Theoretical/Methodological Contributions – the research results were achieved by combining theoretical elements from two areas of knowledge (law and engineering), directed towards empirical research, which focused on the analysis of a certain urban land regularization process that reached a certain informal urban center located in an environmentally sensitive area of ​​a certain coastal municipality. Social and Environmental Contributions – the research findings can help the Public Administration reformulate public housing and land regularization policies, improving these policies and preparing informal cities for new climate challenges. It can also aid in the eventual revision of legislation governing land regularization, to regulate the licensing phase of urban infrastructure more specifically and in greater detail, thus ensuring compliance with the mandatory feasibility analysis for the installation of infrastructure geared toward urban resilience.
Geoconservation in the Brazilian Environmental Agenda
Objective – This study aims to analyze how Brazilian federal environmental policies and legislation incorporate geoconservation as a strategy for protecting geodiversity, with emphasis on the case study of urban geological sites in São Carlos (SP). Methodology – The research adopted a qualitative approach based on documentary and normative analysis, examining the main federal legal instruments that directly or indirectly address the conservation of abiotic elements. This analysis was complemented by applying the results to the survey of urban geological sites conducted by the extension project Geodiversamente: Geodiversidade em espaços comuns. Originality/relevance – The study addresses the theoretical and regulatory gap regarding the treatment of geodiversity as an autonomous environmental asset. Despite international conceptual advances, geodiversity remains underrecognized in Brazilian public policies, often being approached indirectly. The analysis is relevant for linking this discussion to the urban context, a field still incipient in national literature. Results – Findings reveal that Brazilian environmental legislation, although robust in relation to biodiversity and natural resources, treats geodiversity in a fragmented and indirect manner. Instruments such as the National System of Conservation Units (SNUC), the National Water Resources Policy, and the Native Vegetation Protection Law provide partial and indirect protection to geological elements but lack technical criteria and systematization. In the case of São Carlos, significant urban geodiversity was observed under environmental pressures, without specific municipal regulatory support. Theoretical/methodological contributions – The study consolidates a comparative analysis of federal legal instruments applicable to geoconservation, highlighting regulatory gaps and proposing the need for standardized technical criteria for geosite inventory and management. Methodologically, it reinforces the relevance of normative analysis applied to local case studies. Social and environmental contributions – The research underscores the importance of geodiversity for urban sustainability, emphasizing its role in territorial planning, environmental education, and natural hazard mitigation. By pointing out pathways for specific public policies, the study contributes to building more resilient cities and to valuing geological heritage as strategic natural capital.
The intensification of impacts caused by climate change in recent years has highlighted the need for cities to adopt strategies aimed at mitigating damage. In this context, the United Nations’ New Urban Agenda presents governance as an important guideline for sustainable regional planning. Based on this premise, the objective of this study was to analyze the similarity in the manifestation of housing deficit in municipalities of the state of São Paulo, using the concept of urban networks as a reference. For this purpose, microdata from the 2010 Demographic Census were used to calculate the housing deficit by components at the municipal level, along with data from the Regions of Influence of Cities to study urban networks. The assessment of similarities among municipalities regarding their housing deficits was conducted through hierarchical cluster analysis. The results showed that there is no consistent pattern of housing deficit manifestation associated with urban networks. However, trends of similarity were found among municipalities classified as urban centers, which may support the planning of housing policies involving cities from different regions.
Objective: The concept of Smart City has long been considered a marketing tool for a neoliberal system. However, it is necessary to investigate the possibilities of applying this concept from another perspective. The objective of this study, therefore, is to shed light on a new way of interpreting the concept of Smart City, understanding the potential of introducing technology into sustainable urban development. In this sense, we aim to elucidate how some countries in the Global South, such as China and Brazil, have used this concept in their urban policies. Methodology: To this end, we use comparative analysis methodology and, in conjunction with this, different tools to organize this research. Originality/relevance: The topic is relevant in that it explores a different—and little-investigated—way of approaching the subject of Smart Cities and their contributions to sustainable development, particularly in the field of urban planning and urban policies. Results: The results achieved include a survey of policies and initiatives in two cities—Belo Horizonte and Wuhan—and the example that, in many cases, the application of the concept in question occurs independently of large technology companies (Big Techs) and can be included in a national development project, as is the case in China. Theoretical/Methodological Contributions: This work contributes to the theoretical and methodological field because, in addition to its relevance, it offers a perspective that has not yet been explored in the context of Smart Cities. Thus, it broadens the discussion and can add new possibilities not only for research, but also for innovation and development. Regarding methodology, the use of journal article analysis software and the organization of the data from this research present a potential for future qualitative/comparative analyses. Social and Environmental Contributions: Sustainable development presupposes the combination of three main areas: social, economic, and environmental. Therefore, this work combines technology and urban planning with the aim of investigating solutions that improve the quality of life in cities in the Global South in the aforementioned aspects, increasing, for example, citizen participation, assertive responses to the challenges of climate change, and economic innovation.
Law 14.300/22 and its influence on the implementation of photovoltaic panels
Objective – This article sought to answer: does residential solar photovoltaic microgeneration remain economically viable under the new legislation, compared to the previous regime? Methodology – A case study was conducted in a residence located in Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, with an average monthly consumption of 425 kWh. The analysis compares the Internal Rate of Return (IRR) and Payback indicators in the two regulatory scenarios. Originality/Relevance – The recent change in the regulatory framework for distributed generation in Brazil, with the entry into force of Law 14,300/22, which establishes the Legal Framework for Distributed Generation, generated debates and doubts regarding the economic impact of the regulatory change for consumers, and the continued economic attractiveness of these systems, especially in light of the previous rules of ANEEL's Normative Resolution 482/2012, making the study of this topic extremely relevant. Results – The results indicate that the difference observed does not have a significant impact on the feasibility of implementing photovoltaic panels. However, the need for more in-depth studies on the topic is highlighted. Theoretical/Methodological Contributions – Indicate the main theoretical and/or methodological implications that were achieved through the findings of the study carried out. Social and Environmental Contributions – Indicate the main social and environmental implications achieved through the findings of the study carried out.
Blue-green infrastructure (BGI) to reduce compound flooding in a climate crisis scenario in Recife-PE
Objective – Investigate blue-green infrastructure as an adaptation strategy to reduce the compound flooding impacts in Recife-PE, considering the climate change context, also identifying the main challenges and opportunities for its effective implementation in the region. Methodology – Theoretical-analytical research, of an exploratory and descriptive nature, based on a bibliographic review and comparative analysis of national and international experiences applicable to the context of Recife in the face of the scenario of climate change and compound floods. Originality/Relevance – The work stands out for addressing blue-green infrastructure as a solution to compound flooding, a topic still largely unexplored in Brazil. Unlike studies that address only rainfall flooding or sea level rise in isolation, this research integrates both phenomena within the urban context of Recife. Thus, it broadens the scientific debate on climate adaptation in coastal areas, providing relevant theoretical insights for the formulation of public policies and sustainable planning strategies. Results – The research demonstrated that blue-green infrastructure is an effective strategy to reduce the effects of compound flooding in Recife, combining hydraulic and ecological functions. The territorial analysis identified specific solutions for vulnerable neighbourhoods, such as flood parks in Iputinga, bioswales in Tejipió, and rain gardens in Torrões. In addition to reducing hydrological risks, social and environmental co-benefits stand out, such as public health, leisure, and biodiversity. However, technical, financial, and institutional challenges were identified that require integrated governance and innovative implementation mechanisms. Theoretical/Methodological Contributions – The study expands understanding of the relationship between compound flooding and blue-green infrastructure, bringing new perspectives to the literature on urban adaptation. It proposes an analysis map that can be applied in various coastal cities, contributing to the development of sustainable urban planning strategies and informing the decision-making process of stakeholders. Social and Environmental Contributions – The contributions encompass the potential to strengthen urban resilience, improve public health, and create inclusive spaces for leisure and social interaction. From an environmental perspective, the highlights include expanding biodiversity, enhancing urban ecosystems, and adapting to the adverse effects of climate change, given that the proposal fosters urban resilience.
Technical-economic indicators, sustainability, and family farming are discussed alongside management in brazilian agro-industries?
Objective: To conduct a systematic review on management in Brazilian agro-industries, describing financial, sustainable, and family farming approaches in order to promote discussions and build a comprehensive overview of the topic. Methodology: A search was carried out in the Scopus and Web of Science databases, covering the period from 2006 to 2023, focusing on scientific articles addressing management in Brazilian agro-industries. Originality/relevance: The study consolidates information on different management approaches in national agro-industries, highlighting gaps related to technical-economic indicators and the inclusion of family farming in management discussions. Results: Of the 27 analyzed articles, 14 did not address technical-economic indicators such as costs, revenues, or profits, while 18 discussed sustainability issues. Family farming appeared in six studies, showing that this topic still requires deeper exploration. Theoretical/methodological contributions: This research provides an updated overview of the state of the art on management in Brazilian agro-industries, assisting in the identification of trends and future research directions. Social and environmental contributions: The results emphasize the growing relevance of sustainability in agro-industrial chains and highlight family farming as an important social and productive actor in the sector.
Study of the Filtration Run of Industrial Effluent Using Sand Filters at Different Filtration Rates on a Bench Scale
Objective – The main objective of this research is to evaluate the physical filtration process using sand filters on a bench scale for the treatment of industrial effluent generated in the CIP (Clean in Place) process of a brewery. Methodology – Experimental research on a bench scale with a quantitative approach. The experimental scientific method was applied to evaluate sand filters in the treatment of brewery CIP effluents, analyzing color, turbidity, and pH according to AWWA (2012) standards. Originality/Relevance – The study addresses a theoretical gap regarding the use of sand filtration for specific industrial effluents. It stands out for proposing a simple, low-cost, and sustainable technology aligned with SDGs 6 and 12. Results – Filtration achieved reductions greater than 50% in color and turbidity while maintaining stable pH. Clogging increased removal efficiency, demonstrating the good performance of the system. Theoretical/Methodological Contributions – Deepens the understanding of the filtration run and clogging in granular media, presenting a reproducible experimental model for future design applications. Social and Environmental Contributions – Promotes water reuse and sustainable practices in the brewing industry, contributing to the reduction of potable water consumption and the mitigation of environmental impacts.
Economic and Emotional Effects of Migration in the Rural Context
Objective – Identify the categories related to the economic and emotional effects of migration on the family members who remain in their localities. Methodology – A systematized literature search was conducted to examine the economic and emotional effects of family migration. The review follows a methodological approach that contributes to the understanding of a given phenomenon (Botelho; Cunha; Macedo, 2011). Originality/Relevance – The importance of this literature review lies in the fact that it centers its attention on families and individuals who remain in rural areas after the migration of their members, rather than primarily on those who migrate. Results – The identified economic effects include increased income, changes in consumption patterns, limited use of remittances for savings and productive investment, economic dependency in the communities of origin, loss of family labor, and intra-household and gender inequality. The emotional effects identified include loneliness and sadness, anxiety and uncertainty, physical and emotional overload, and intergenerational tensions. Theoretical/Methodological Contributions – The contribution of this study lies in identifying elements that highlight aspects related to the practice of migration in the reviewed studies. Social and Environmental Contributions – The study contributes by exploring relevant effects of migration, fostering reflections on the process and the knowledge of those involved in both the country of origin and destination
Initial analyses of stakeholders’ discourses on Payments for Environmental Services in the Pantanal of Mato Grosso do Sul
Objective – To identify and compare, in an initial and exploratory way, the discourses of stakeholders on Payments for Environmental Services (PES) in the Pantanal of Mato Grosso do Sul. Methodology – The research adopts a qualitative approach based on the Q-Methodology, focusing on stakeholders’ perceptions. Although the factorial analysis required by the Q-Methodology is reserved for a later stage, this article presents partial results from data collection and initial reflections on the discourses. Originality/Relevance – Indicate the theoretical gap the study addresses and present the academic relevance of the topic. Results – The research revealed consensus among stakeholders regarding the role of PES in the conservation and sociocultural valorization of the Pantanal, as well as divergences concerning its economic mechanisms, funding sources, and implementation strategies. Theoretical/Methodological Contributions – Reinforces the applicability of the Q-Methodology in the analysis of environmental discourses. Social and Environmental Contributions – The findings are expected to provide insights for the development of state-level public polices and contribute to the design of more effective and socially responsive environmental policies.
Objective – This article presents the concept of landscape from an emancipatory perspective, drawing on a laboratory practice in which research and outreach merge to elucidate public policies at the municipal level. Methodology – The research method used is the recognition and mapping of landscape attributes with the aim of valuing these elements and consulting with populations, who for centuries have remained without access to inclusive public policies, highlighting their potential to foster a more harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature. Originality/Relevance – Environmental racism, a term coined by Franklin Chavis, a Black activist in North America, in 1982, is the most concrete form of racism that emerges from social inequalities and drives socio-spatial exclusion, resulting in the constant and complex invisibility of the Black population in sub-standard housing and precarious settlements in large and small cities. Analyzing the landscape from this perspective invites us to reflect on the role of environmental activism and the need for an intersectional approach that considers the multiple dimensions of social struggles. Results – The result is the construction of an understanding of the connection between city and forest, aiming to understand the relationship between the populations living amidst remnants of the Cerrado and the fragments of vegetation predominant in the site where the city of Bauru developed. We highlight aspects of the problems arising from the difficulty of establishing a fair land policy, such as access to land as a dimension of the notion of territory. This premise enabled an investigation into the conditions of access to housing based on an approach to social movement settlements in the city under study. Finally, we present the city as a laboratory based on a Landscape Analysis Roadmap with the purpose of outlining a landscape project. Theoretical/Methodological Contributions – The interaction between technicians and the community, based on knowledge of the landscape, enabled the identification of needs and aspirations, revealing an essential participatory principle for advancing a spatial justice agenda in practice. Likewise, popular participation, based on in-depth historical and environmental knowledge, enabled the community to identify and acknowledge the different features of the landscape. Social and Environmental Contributions – Finally, we must consider that analyzing the landscape from the perspective of consulting a less-assisted landscape invites us to reflect on the need for an approach that considers the agenda of social struggles as a basis for building a more just and socially balanced city. Revolutionary practice, by integrating issues of race, class, and gender into discussions about landscape, contributes to building a more just and sustainable future, where everyone has a voice and a say in shaping the environment they inhabit.
Technodiversity and urban forests in Belo Horizonte
Objective – Provide a theoretical basis for improving urban reforestation projects in Belo Horizonte (Minas Gerais, Brazil), demonstrating the potential of diversifying planting techniques to reduce the time required for the expected ecosystem services to return and to increase public spending efficiency. Methodology – Different planting methods were analyzed, such as the Miyawaki Method, direct seeding through “muvuca de sementes,” and half-moon planting, in comparison with the practices adopted in the Montes Verdes project by the Belo Horizonte City Hall. Originality/Relevance – The research highlights the opportunity to strengthen urban forests implemented by the public sector through technodiversity, considering the singularity of the transition between the Cerrado and Atlantic Forest biomes in the municipal territory, as well as the need to expand strategies currently centered on Atlantic species and silviculture-like methods. Results –It was found that the adoption of multiple techniques can reduce seedling mortality, minimize maintenance costs, increase the resilience of plantations against invasive grasses and fires, and accelerate the provision of ecosystem services such as microclimatic regulation and shading. Theoretical/Methodological Contributions – The study reinforces the concept of technodiversity as a methodological framework for urban reforestation, showing that combining techniques adapted to the local context increases both the ecological and economic efficiency of urban forests. Social and Environmental Contributions – In addition to environmental gains, the study points to relevant social benefits, such as fostering community engagement in planting and management processes, strengthening socio-environmental awareness, and valuing biocultural diversity as a pillar of urban sustainability.
Objective – Understand the school community’s perception of green areas in their spaces, with an emphasis on gardens, aiming at the implementation of a school garden design proposal. Methodology – The study presents a qualitative approach in two stages: a questionnaire and participation in extension activities, with the purpose of developing landscape design proposals with didactic gardens in school spaces. Originality/Relevance – Integrates teaching, research, and extension by discussing the role of school green spaces. Results – Schools recognize the importance of greenery but face challenges; the project showed that creative and collaborative solutions can make didactic gardens feasible. Theoretical/Methodological Contributions – Integrates social and technical knowledge, encourages the creation of green spaces in schools, and contributes to the training of university students through extension. Social and Environmental Contributions – School gardens contribute to improving health, well-being and learning, support pedagogical practices, promote environmental awareness, and strengthen community involvement in sustainable projects.
Objective – To analyze specific landscapes of the municipality of Bauru through observation and the senses, enabling the understanding of urban layers and their analysis by means of a physical prototype. Methodology – Development of parameters that divide the urban landscape into layers based on literature reviews of authors and researchers in the field. Originality/relevance – To create an innovative and easily understandable method through layers, allowing the interweaving of different elements in a simple and fast way, thus providing a better understanding of contemporary city landscapes. Results – Development of four handmade prototypes, where the observer can actively interact with the landscape of Bauru, adding or changing the sequence of layers in order to understand how each element impacts the landscape, and, most importantly, raising questions about how individual actions reverberate in the collective perception of the city. Theoretical/methodological contributions – The possibilities of practically and empirically visualizing the interaction among urban elements discussed by reference authors. Social and environmental contributions – The prototypes enabled a new way of seeing and analyzing landscapes, contributing to city planning in a more qualitative and humanized way.
Forecasting Urban Form Growth and Expansion Vectors
Objective – This study aims to analyze the physical and structural factors that influence the dynamics of urban growth in the municipalities of Caxias do Sul, Farroupilha, and Flores da Cunha, located in the Metropolitan Region of Serra Gaúcha, with an emphasis on understanding geometric deformations and vectors of urban expansion. Methodology – The research is based on an urban morphology approach, complemented by spatial analysis techniques. The urbanized area and geometric deformations of the settlements were measured, considering topographic, hydrographic, and infrastructural factors that guide or restrict expansion in different directions. Originality/Relevance – The study addresses a theoretical gap linking urban morphology and growth processes in medium-sized cities within specific regional contexts. Its originality lies in proposing a predictive analysis model of urban expansion that considers the interaction between physical and structural factors, applied to municipalities with rugged topography and strong economic dynamics. Results – The results indicated that certain growth vectors present higher viability due to topography and the road network, while others face significant restrictions, such as areas near the Taquari River and regions with steep slopes. The application of impedance factors enabled a proportional redistribution of growth percentages, adjusting the projection model to the actual territorial conditions. Theoretical/Methodological Contributions – The research contributes by consolidating an urban analysis methodology that combines measurements of urbanized area and geometric deformations, allowing for more precise predictive modeling of urban growth and a better understanding of the relationship between morphology and territorial constraints. Social and Environmental Contributions – The study provides subsidies for sustainable territorial planning, highlighting the need to direct urbanization toward environmentally and infrastructurally suitable areas. Additionally, it indicates ways to mitigate negative impacts in sensitive regions, contributing to more effective public policies for managing regional urban growth.
Objective – To demonstrate how the integration between city and nature can be promoted in the Complexo Córrego da Mula–Lagoa Bonita in Campinorte (GO), through nature-based solutions (NbS) aimed at the rehabilitation of degraded environments. Methodology – Qualitative and exploratory research, grounded in the principles of urban ecology (Hough, 1996; Spirn, 2003) and the concept of green and blue infrastructure (Pellegrino, 2011; Benedict; McMahon, 2006). It combined bibliographic review, spatial analysis, and participatory practices inspired by tactical urbanism (Lydon; Garcia, 2015; Sansão Fontes, 2018) and critical environmental education (Freire, 1987; Guimarães, 2000; Loureiro, 2012). Activities included pedagogical workshops, community records, and ephemeral actions with students and teachers of Dalva Marques Costa Municipal School. Originality/Relevance – Addresses the gap regarding urban rivers in small Cerrado towns by operationalizing NbS/green-blue infrastructure at the micro-basin scale, based on spatial analysis and school–university–community practices. It introduces indicators linking pedagogical actions to water rehabilitation and offers replicable and cost-effective guidelines for local policies. Results – Problems such as riparian degradation, absence of vegetation, lack of basic sanitation, excessive impermeabilization, risk of soil, water, and air contamination, and high temperatures due to heat islands were identified. Potentialities were also observed, including native vegetation, wetlands, and water availability. These environments support the integration between people and ecosystems, since in addition to contributing to urban aesthetics, such green and aquatic areas can also serve as spaces for gatherings, permanence, leisure, recreation, and health. Theoretical/Methodological Contributions – Consolidates the articulation of urban ecology, green and blue infrastructure, critical environmental education, and tactical urbanism-inspired actions, offering a methodological framework replicable in small towns. Social and Environmental Contributions – Strengthens community bonds, broadens local environmental awareness, and suggests guidelines for public policies on water and urban rehabilitation in the Cerrado.
Objective – To examine how generative AI landscapes can function as instruments of environmental and social awareness or reinforce processes of symbolic alienation. Methodology – An interdisciplinary literature review combined with the analysis of news reports and case studies, including UrbanGenAI and environmental scenario simulations using landscape generative AIs. Originality/Relevance – Offers an unprecedented discussion of the ambivalence of digital AI landscapes, intertwining aesthetics, politics, and ecology within a contemporary debate. Results – Demonstrates that generative landscapes expand planning and awareness capabilities, yet may also foster illusions, greenwashing, and misinformation. Theoretical/Methodological Contributions – Integrates concepts from geography, philosophy, arts, and technology, proposing a critical and comparative approach to the potentials and risks of AI. Social and Environmental Contributions – Highlights the use of AI-generated images as pedagogical, political, and mobilization tools, provided they are applied ethically and responsibly.
Water moments for urban drainage projects and Nature-based solutions
Objective – This paper aims to present the “Water Moments” method as a tool to guide the selection and sequencing of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) in urban drainage of landscape planning, applying it to the case of the Butantã Campus of the University of São Paulo. Methodology – The research adopts a theoretical-applied approach, grounded in the geomorphological compartmentalization proposed by Schutzer (2012) and developed by Bonzi (2015), combined with the hydrological reading of the urban water cycle. Maps of altimetry, slope, soil, land use, drainage networks and flood-prone areas were used to classify the territory into three moments: Source, Conduction, and Accommodation. Originality/relevance – The study addresses the gap between hydrological theory and design practice, proposing a method that integrates geomorphology, hydrology, and green infrastructure, providing clear parameters for the location of NbS in complex urban contexts. Results – The application of the method in the Butantã Campus demonstrated the feasibility of structuring distributed and multifunctional drainage networks, capable of reducing flood risks, enhancing groundwater recharge, and qualifying open spaces in the landscapes. Theoretical/methodological contributions – The article systematizes a replicable methodological framework that correlates watershed compartments with specific NbS, forming a combinatory planning tool based on water moments. Social and environmental contributions – The study highlights the potential of NbS to foster urban resilience, improve environmental quality, and provide multiple social, cultural, and educational benefits, positioning the campus as a living lab for sustainable drainage innovation and landscape.
Interdisciplinarity and participatory methodologies in landscape architecture education
Objective – This work is situated within the context of landscape projects that seek integration between city, nature, and society, addressing socio-environmental challenges through participatory planning process methodologies. The central issue is the need for a teaching methodology that goes beyond technical knowledge and promotes interdisciplinarity, social justice, and citizen participation in the education of future architects and urban planners. Methodology – The landscape design project for Rua Mirtes Cordeiro was the final product of the course, which was divided into three stages: history of landscape architecture, theoretical foundation of concepts related to Nature-Based Solutions (NBS), and project development. Initially, technical and theoretical readings were used, and in the project phase, BIM software (ArchiCAD) was employed to support the development and presentation of the digital model. Originality/Relevance – The work demonstrates its originality and academic relevance by bridging the gap between theory and practice, valuing collaboration between academia and community leadership in landscape architecture education. This research offers a model for studies that aim not only to analyze but also to co-create knowledge and solutions for socio-environmental demands in urban spaces. Results – The results show student learning more aligned with real societal demands, where, by engaging with community leaders, they were able to apply theoretical knowledge in practice. This interaction resulted in the proposal of diverse solutions for the community, proving the potential of transforming academic knowledge into concrete actions. Theoretical/Methodological Contributions – The main theoretical and methodological contribution lies in demonstrating that the dialogue of knowledge between University and Community is an effective and necessary strategy for training professionals better prepared to deal with increasingly complex socio-environmental challenges. The experience reinforces the importance of more collaborative approaches in teaching architecture and urbanism, articulating teaching, research, and extension in an innovative way. Social and Environmental Contributions – The social contribution lies in strengthening the training of professionals capable of participatory planning to intervene in cities by promoting justice and social equity through citizen participation. The environmental contribution is reflected in the focus on urban planning strategies oriented toward sustainability and resilience, promoting integration between city, landscape, and nature.
Copyright (c) 2025 Revista Latino-americana de Ambiente Construído & Sustentabilidade https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Geotechnologies Applied to the Management and Preservation of Cultural and Natural Heritage
Objective - This study analyzed the land use and land cover of Morro do Rangel, a listed natural and cultural heritage site in Rio de Janeiro, with the goal of assessing its preservation over time and proposing management strategies based on geotechnologies. Methodologies - Historical shapefiles, high-resolution satellite imagery, and geoprocessing applications (QGIS and ArcGIS) were used, applying a theoretical approach that integrates geoconservation, remote sensing, and territorial analysis of listed properties. Originality/Relevance - The study fills gaps in the monitoring of these heritage sites, offering a replicable and academically relevant methodology at the intersection of cultural preservation and spatial technologies. Results - The results indicated relative stability of the listed territory, increased tree and shrub cover, specific expansion of irregular urban settlements, and identification of areas vulnerable to real estate speculation, highlighting opportunities for reforestation and heritage education. Theoretical/Methodological Contributions - The research demonstrates the effectiveness of geoprocessing and remote sensing as tools for spatial analysis, monitoring, and intervention planning. Social and Environmental Contributions - These contributions are also important for the development of public policies, environmental education, and heritage conservation, promoting a balance between urban growth and environmental preservation.
Exploring the integration of sustainable urban mobility strategies into master plans
Objective – To investigate the extent to which the master plans of Várzea Paulista and Indaiatuba (SP) incorporate sustainable urban mobility strategies aligned with the goals of the 2030 Agenda, examining the connection between Urban Planning, Territorial Equity, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Methodology – The master plans were evaluated using a qualitative and descriptive approach, based on parameters defined by Magagnin (2023), supplemented by others established by the authors from different bibliographic references. The evaluation was organized into four axes: i) General characterization of the plan, ii) Identification of themes relevant to urban mobility policy, iii) Alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and iv) Intersectoral and Regional Integration. Originality/Relevance – The study highlights the incorporation of themes and indicators related to urban mobility, linked to urban planning, the SDGs, and Intersectoral and Regional Integration. Results – Both master plans present principles of sustainable urban mobility. However, Indaiatuba shows greater detail and integration among urban planning tools, monitoring, intersectoral policies, and global commitments. Várzea Paulista, on the other hand, adopts a more generic and dispersed approach. Theoretical/Methodological Contributions – Methodologically, it expands the understanding of how to articulate sustainable mobility indicators in urban planning instruments. Social and Environmental Contributions – The integration between mobility, territorial equity, and sustainability can reduce inequalities in access to services and opportunities. Environmentally, prioritizing active modes and public transport contributes to reducing emissions and to a more sustainable use of land and natural resources.
Strategies for Requalification of Historic Military Sites
Objective – Analyze the state of conservation of the Defensor Perpétuo Fort in Paraty, Rio de Janeiro, identifying its main structural and heritage weaknesses, with the aim of proposing effective preservation and revitalization strategies that reconcile the protection of historical heritage with its sustainable use. Methodology – The research will be conducted using a qualitative approach, with an exploratory and descriptive nature. The qualitative methodology allows us to understand not only the technical aspects of the fort's conservation, but also the cultural, historical, and social meanings attributed to it. This approach makes it possible to interpret the interrelationships between the built heritage, the coastal environment, and the experience of the local population, respecting the uniqueness of the Paraty context. Originality/Relevance –The study addresses the relationship between historical heritage and the environment in Paraty, highlighting how the interaction between culture and nature is still largely unexplored in an integrated manner in academic literature. Its relevance lies in broadening the debate on urban conservation and revitalization from a multidisciplinary perspective, contributing to the understanding of new preservation strategies that unite cultural identity, environmental sustainability, and local development. Results – The research is expected to contribute to a better understanding of the threats to the preservation of Forte Defensor Perpétuo and to the formulation of effective conservation strategies. The diagnosis obtained may serve as a basis for future architectural and urban planning interventions, being useful for historical and environmental heritage preservation agencies. Theoretical/Methodological Contributions – The study highlights the need to understand heritage as part of an integrated urban-environmental system. The research demonstrates the relevance of an interdisciplinary approach, combining documentary analysis and territorial observation, to support strategies that reconcile cultural conservation and sustainability. Social and Environmental Contributions – The study aims to demonstrate that heritage preservation in Paraty is intrinsically linked to the protection of ecosystems and integration with the city's culture and population. The conservation of green areas, which act as a natural protective barrier for historical assets, reduces their vulnerability to climate change.
Design Strategies Emerging from the Mayan Market Port Tulum
Objective - To analyze the historical and cultural relevance of the Tulum archaeological site from the perspective of Mayan trade, identifying its importance through the territorial characteristics of the commodification of delicacies that characterized the Mayan ascendancy period—the Classic Period. To understand the importance of product exchange logistics applied at the time through intermediaries along the Riviera Maya coast. Also, to understand the importance of technology and knowledge of land and sea geographic data among the Mayans, factors that aided the naval development of the landscape's great iconic buildings. Thus, the El Castillo lighthouse emerges as a case study. Methodology - This research will be developed through a qualitative, exploratory, and descriptive approach in the field of archaeology. The qualitative systematization of the work provides a deep understanding of the cultural, historical, and social significance, as well as enabling an understanding of the technical capabilities of the El Castillo Market Port. Originality/Relevance - The study develops an understanding of the social and economic construction of port logistics among the Mayan peoples, highlighting, through its discussion, the relationship between culture, history, and the environment, a topic still rarely discussed in the scientific literature. Furthermore, the article raises questions about the contemporary city of Tulum in relation to the challenges it faces. Results - The research is expected to contribute to a better understanding and identification of Mayan environmental, social, and cultural practices, as well as to the importance of port logistics for the formulation of effective conservation strategies. The resulting diagnosis can inform future architectural and urban planning interventions, and is useful for historical and environmental heritage preservation agencies. Theoretical/Methodological Contributions - The study highlights the need to understand heritage as part of the integrated urban-environmental system. The research demonstrates the relevance of an interdisciplinary approach, combining documentary analysis and territorial observation, to support strategies that reconcile cultural conservation and sustainability. Social and environmental contributions - The study aims to demonstrate that heritage preservation in Tulum is intrinsically linked to ecosystem protection and integration with the city's culture and population. The conservation of green areas, which serve as a natural protective barrier for historical assets, reduces their vulnerability to climate change.
Objective: analyze factors affecting visitation to Maceió Municipal Park (2021–2025) and their relation to environmental inequalities. Methodology: descriptive analysis, documentary review, and statistical tests (ANOVA, Tukey HSD, t-test) using SEMURB data and municipal decrees. Originality/relevance: addresses urban parks in medium-sized Brazilian cities through the lens of environmental justice and urban resilience, considering COVID-19 and soil subsidence. Results: operational regime significantly influenced visitation; full opening led to higher flows; peak in 2023; decline in 2024–2025; forced neighborhood evacuations reduced social vitality. Theoretical/methodological contributions: strengthens the understanding of parks as essential social infrastructures; proposes indicators of accessibility, institutional predictability, and collective belonging. Social/environmental contributions: highlights the need for transparent management, continuous maintenance, and social inclusion to promote health, democratic leisure, and urban resilience.
Interlinking vulnerability indicators for green area management in the city of Contagem, Minas Gerais
Objective - to analyze the contribution of the Driving Force–Pressure–State–Impact–Response (DPSIR) model in identifying and ranking Urban Green Areas (UGAs) according to their vulnerability, illustrating the application with two cases in Contagem-MG. Methodology - the study was structured in three stages: (i) review of the applicability of the DPSIR model to UGAs; (ii) methodological adaptation to local variables; (iii) survey of technical standards for protection interventions (fencing and sidewalks). Originality/Relevance - the method is proposed as a tool to support public management, allowing the orientation of policies and environmental compensations based on measuring the degree of vulnerability of UGAs, especially in relation to irregular occupation. Results - different levels of vulnerability were identified in two UGAs of municipal relevance, evidencing pressures derived from irregular occupation and deficiencies in physical protection. Theoretical/Methodological Contributions - throughout the study, it was possible to elaborate a proposal for a set of indicators applicable to the assessment of social and environmental vulnerabilities of UGAs. Social and Environmental Contributions - the study offers possibilities that stimulate reflections on the importance of safeguarding green areas, as they fulfill ecological functions that consequently promote greater stability in terms of geo-environmental risks, provide refuges for urban biodiversity, improve climatic comfort, and contribute to safety and accessibility regarding the right to free movement, as guaranteed by the Brazilian Constitution of 1988.
Objective – Analyze the environmental parks in the North, Central and South Zones of Teresina-PI and their relationship with the riverside landscape of the Poti River, considering the role they play in the integration between city, nature and society. Methodology – The research was based on a bibliographic and documentary survey, combined with map analysis, photographic records, and on-site observations. The qualitative and descriptive approach allowed us to identify the parks' strengths and weaknesses in relation to social use and integration with the river. Originality/Relevance – The study highlights weaknesses in the planning, management, and infrastructure of these facilities, discussing how they can act as instruments for reconnecting the population with the natural environment. The research broadens the debate on sustainable urban planning, the right to the city, and the appreciation of waterscapes in urban contexts. Results – Despite the creation and expansion of environmental parks in Teresina, the relationship with the Poti River remains fragile, marked by socio-spatial inequalities, lack of infrastructure, and limited social appropriation. Theoretical/Methodological Contributions – Theoretically, it reinforces the importance of environmental parks as instruments for integrating the city and riverside landscape. Methodologically, it demonstrates the usefulness of a combined analysis of official documents and on-site observations. Social and Environmental Contributions – The need to strengthen these spaces as areas for leisure, coexistence and preservation is highlighted, expanding the population's access to the banks of the Poti River and contributing to its protection.
Spatial distribution of public green areas and their relationship with socioeconomic factors
Objective – To analyze the distribution of public green areas in the Jatiúca neighborhood, in Maceió-AL, considering its relationship with socioeconomic and urban factors, as well as green equity. Methodology – The study employed a literature review, geoprocessing techniques in QGIS software, and the overlay of socioeconomic data, applying the 300-meter buffer method to assess accessibility to green areas. Additionally, on-site visits were carried out at the Vera Arruda Corridor, with structured interviews conducted with users and thermal parameter measurements taken to evaluate comfort conditions. Originality/Relevance – The research is framed within the debate on green equity in tropical coastal cities, highlighting the deficit of green areas in the lower-income sectors of Jatiúca and the historical favoring of wealthier regions. It contributes to understanding how urban inequalities are reflected in the distribution of environmental assets. Results – The study found that higher-quality green areas are concentrated in wealthier sectors (New Jatiúca), while Old Jatiúca shows a deficit of vegetated spaces, lower accessibility, and more disorganized density. Measurements confirmed that tree-covered areas present better thermal comfort conditions. Interviews revealed demands for safety, lighting, accessibility, and more diverse facilities. Theoretical/Methodological Contributions – The research reinforces the importance of integrating geoprocessing, socioeconomic analysis, and thermal comfort assessment as an interdisciplinary approach to understand the effects of vegetation in the urban environment. Social and Environmental Contributions – The findings highlight the need for public policies that promote socio-environmental justice, prioritizing the expansion of vegetation and infrastructure in areas historically deprived of green spaces, in order to guarantee the right to the city in a more equitable and sustainable way.
Housing Complex Jardim Redentor in Bauru, a Possible Example of Cluster
Objective – To analyze the urban design of Jardim Redentor I, the first housing complex built by COHAB Bauru, identifying its possible relationship with the cluster city concept developed by Alison and Peter Smithson, and assessing its uniqueness within the Brazilian context of the 1960s. Methodology – The research adopts an urban morphology approach, combining documentary analysis, literature review, and on-site observation to identify elements of identity, association patterns, growth, mobility, and clusters in the complex. Originality/relevance – The study addresses the theoretical gap regarding the application of postmodern concepts in social housing in Brazil during the hegemony of modernism, revealing the possible influence of avant-garde ideas in medium-sized cities in the interior of São Paulo state. Results – Jardim Redentor I presents an innovative and experimental urban configuration, prioritizing public spaces and community interaction, in contrast to the functional and economically driven models predominant at the time. Theoretical/methodological contributions – The study advances the understanding of the adaptation of cluster city principles in Brazilian housing contexts, suggesting new perspectives for the analysis of complexes designed in that period. Social and environmental contributions – The study highlights the relevance of design strategies that foster social cohesion, a sense of belonging, and the qualified use of public spaces, contributing to the construction of more inclusive and sustainable urban environments.