Parque Aninga: projeto preliminar de parque urbano alagável com paisagismo nativo em lagoa de drenagem em Natal/RN

Abstract

Urban parks are efficient in combating extreme weather events due to their potential of draining rainwater, improving air quality and maintaining temperature mild, as well as creating opportunities for raising awareness about the importance of environmental conservation. By combining these spaces with catchment ponds, which usually have no other use for the community, they ensure a more efficient use of urban spaces and amplify their beneficial effects. The main objective of this project is the development of a preliminary proposal for a community park in the catchment pond of Avenida Praia de Muriú in the Ponta Negra neighbourhood in Natal/RN, combined with sensory landscape design using only native species of the state. To achieve this, the specific objectives are to select and apply urban-landscape design techniques in the creation of floodable parks; Integrate blue infrastructure strategies into the proposed project to contribute to the drainage and management of rainwater in the neighbourhood; Propose environmental education strategies through the inclusion of urban equipment, sensory landscaping, and a nursery in the project; To propose the use of plant species exclusively native to Rio Grande do Norte in the landscape design; To create a community space for passive leisure and contemplation of the fauna and flora of the dune ecosystem. To achieve these objectives, approaches such as literature review and reference studies were done. Through the literature review, the topics covered were studied in order to list the most efficient and relevant techniques to be used in the reality of this study’s universe. The reference studies were carried out in two ways: directly, through on-site visits and analysis of the design characteristics and use of the spaces, as well as indirectly, through online research on similar projects already executed. Through the literature review and reference studies, the following blue infrastructure techniques were selected: bioswales and floodable structures. Bioswales filter the water from the walkways, while the park also has areas that can be completely flooded during periods of higher water levels, while serving as bleachers when water levels are lower. A garden made with native species from the state of Rio Grande do Norte with sensory properties aims to educate and raise awareness about the importance of environmental preservation through experiences using the senses. The interactive furniture throughout the park also assists in the educational process about the species, landscapes, and ecosystems present on the site, as well as their relationships with the local hydrology. The development of the proposal shows that the union of green and blue infrastructures is an efficient tool for planning more sustainable and resilient cities, especially in the creation of environmental education spaces. The catchment ponds are spaces suitable for community use, and their floodable aspect is a characteristic that can enhance their attractiveness. Finally, the use of native landscaping shows a possible strategy for environmental awareness and preservation of these species.