An analysis of the Cesamar Park, in Palmas (TO, Brazil) under the biofilia bias: understanding its state of the art and its application in the planning of biophilic cities

Abstract

Contemporaneity experiences uncertainties about the future of humanity, consequence of major technological transformations that have subjected various indices to a level of insecurity on the planet. The need for changes in the thinking and action of societies, in order to rescue the natural environment in its essence, and improve the relationship between natural and urban spaces, becomes imperative. In this context, this research developed a study based on the concept of biophilia, which reflects the extent to which human beings are strongly linked to the need to connect with nature and other forms of life, a concept currently seen in several cities around the world, under diferents bias, and which characterizes them as biophilic cities. In order to do so, the research was based substantially on the theme, aiming to reflect its state of the art, and carried out a study directed to the city of Palmas, giving a focus to the Cesamar Park, through visits and observations, having as main reference to the ponderations, Beatley and Newman (2013). From September to November 2018, questionnaires were applied to park visitors, whose objective was to evaluate the existing knowledge and habits about the theme. The tabulation of the results included case studies on cities around the world, analyzed in order to substantiate the practical application of biophilic strategies. What was found was that the city of Palmas, due to its planning conditions and creation time, still has potential 'stored' to explore in topics such as biophilia. And the participants of the research presented a significant understanding, regarding the knowledge of the most common species of fauna and flora characteristic of the cerrado. But a deeper immersion in the theme is still necessary, in order to show the importance of respecting nature in cities. This experience also made it possible to glimpse the meaning of biophilia under an interdisciplinary vision, in order to promote tangible proposals for its application in cities, with nature as an essential element of respect, preservation and conservation. It is envisaged that this research can serve as a reference for new approaches, at different scales, and different public, in order to promote the mass dissemination of the concept.