Fragments of a palimpsest city

Abstract

This work questions people’s spatial orientation in their daily lives and the role of geographical and architectural references in the urban landscape. This questioning led to the observation of two elements — a lighthouse and a church — located on extreme opposites of São Paulo — east/west — which resemble each other due to the role they play as references in the landscape. Both carry within a symbolic/poetic meaning, and are vertical architectures built on high terrains, which guarantee them a spotlight on the landscape of São Paulo. The city’s model of development hasn’t favored its views and geomorphological characteristics, culminating in the overlap of different built elements, such as streets, avenues, bridge, and buildings, conflicting with existing characteristics of the landscape, like valleys, hills, and even architecture landmarks. Likewise, the lighthouse of Jaguaré and the Penha Basilica risk fading away as reference points in the city due to this ongoing model of development. This work sheds a light on interventions that can rescue and reinsert these marks on São Paulo’s landscape.