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Unesco garden restoration
Unesco garden restauration.
As UNESCO’s main principles express: “Political and economic arrangements of governments are not enough to secure the lasting and sincere support of the peoples. Peace must be founded upon dialogue and mutual understanding. Peace must be built upon the intellectual and moral solidarity of humanity.”
We believe that the opportunity to renovate UNESCO’s Patio Gardens designed by Burle Marx is an opportunity to put in practice those principles—through dialogue and the mutual understanding of different generations. Upon the concepts and ideas endorsed by UNESCO, our project acts with sensibility over the built heritage, shows respect for the legacy of the renowned Brazilian Designer, and acts assertively for the future. By promoting respect for cultural heritage, our goal is to help the original garden reach its fullest potential.
The proposal attains this by restoring the original mosaics, enhancing garden plantings and restoring their geometry, and suggesting stair and upper plaza infrastructure. Focusing on these conditions will make the existing relationships thrive.
Due to modifications over the years, the existing patios no longer correspond to the original vision of Burle Marx. Restoring the original patio geometry, texture, and species show a sign of respect for his legacy, while improvements build a space for the future of UNESCO and its collaborators. Seeking a respectful posture towards the past, the additions such as the stairs aim to be light and sensitive to the existing and proposed landscapes. The renovated patios will feel as inviting and humane as UNESCO’s ethos.
Through this collaboration, we believe that the project will be able to create new ground for dialogue and mutual understanding, and subsequently strengthen the bonds among all nations.
Photo Essay
The images in the following photo essay aim to look at the gardens through another perspective, not centering only the garden itself as the main subject and focal point, but if anything finding other ways to see it. By also capturing the surroundings, the narrative of this essay focuses less on the pieces designed by Roberto Burle Marx, but rather on the relationships created by them. To fully understand the dynamics of the space, the peripheral elements to his work are just as important as the garden itself.
Through black and white and deserted images, a visual narrative is created—helping us to reflect upon the current situation of the gardens. Therefore this photo essay, much more than just documenting the project, creates a new ground for us; into which we are able to thoughtfully base our intervention.
Location: Paris, France.
Author:Gustavo Utrabo
Team:
Fernanda Britto, Paula Quintas, Lucas Costa, Gabriel Dias, Ana Luisa Liesegang, Julia Frenk, Mae Smith, Keith Wiley.
Photos: Gustavo Utrabo