Parque das Crianças

Table of Contents

1. Overview
2. Role
3. Problem
4. Goal
5. Solution
   • Concept and Methodology
   • Heritage and Sensory Design
   • Landscape and Uses
6. Challenges and Learnings
7. Final Thoughts

Overview

Parque das Crianças, also known as Parque da Liberdade, is a historical public space in the heart of Fortaleza, Ceará. The project requalified this heritage site through a contemporary urban lens, focusing on childhood memory, public education, and inclusive play. Developed after winning a city-run design competition, the intervention revitalizes a 26,877 m² area with sensory pathways, pedagogical playgrounds, and heritage preservation.

👨‍💻 Role

Co-author Architect and Archviz Specialist — responsible for designing playgrounds and leading rendering efforts for the visual presentation of the project.

❓ Problem

1. The site, despite its historical value, had degraded over time and lacked public engagement.
2. Needed a solution that honored its heritage while introducing contemporary urban uses.

🎯 Goal

1. Requalify a listed heritage space into a vibrant, inclusive urban park.
2. Foster childhood interaction and learning through playful, sensorial, and accessible design.
3. Reinforce historical memory while ensuring the park’s urban vitality.

✨ Solution

Concept and Methodology

• Applied the Theory of Multiple Intelligences (Howard Gardner) as spatial programming logic.
• Designed seven pedagogical “islands” with cognitive and sensory activities for children.
• Encouraged interaction via a constructivist approach based on Piaget’s learning theory.

Heritage and Sensory Design

• Restored and reimagined historical elements using techniques like anastylosis.
• Integrated open-air heritage education via visual storytelling and interactive symbols.
• Developed organic floor patterns and permeable paving to reinforce exploratory movement.

Landscape and Uses

• Mixed contemplative green areas with active zones to attract diverse user profiles.
• Reprogrammed historical buildings for uses such as cafés, administration, bike support, and more.

⚙️ Challenges and Learnings

• Requalifying a sensitive, historic urban area required both technical precision and narrative coherence.
• Balancing visual and sensory stimuli with heritage preservation standards.
• Collaboration with educators, historians, and accessibility consultants enriched the design process.

✨ Final Thoughts

• Parque das Crianças is a case study in blending urbanism, education, and heritage.
• The project’s success is reflected in its first-place award, its built status, and its continued use by the public.
• A proud milestone in participatory and context-sensitive urban design.