Urban L.A.C.E. | Renda da Mata

For the last two years, I have been researching the possibility of new green infrastructure systems for rapidly developing Brazilian cities.

In this project I explore how urban agriculture, specifically urban agroforestry based on the native fruit species of southern Brazil, can add a new landscape layer to the city of Porto Alegre, capital of Rio Grande do Sul, the southernmost state of Brazil.

Urban L.A.C.E. stands for Local Agroforestry, Collective Engagement.  Renda da Mata means “Forest Lace” in Portuguese.

Here planting trees that bear fruit functions in three ways. Ecologically native species are preserved and spread through the city; spatially, new parks, planted avenues, and recreational spaced are created; and socially, spatial segregation of rich and poor is challenged as the planting, maintenance, harvesting and transformation of food brings new constellations of citizens together.

If you are curious have a look at the publication here:

Urban L.A.C.E. | Renda da Mata publication