GONÇALO DE CARVALHO: Beating Global Warming Like a Boss

By Land8: Landscape Architects Network on April 19, 2014 No Comments / 5339 views

In recent years, global temperature has increased significantly and encouraging the use of outdoor spaces is becoming a challenge for landscape architects and urban planners. Planting trees to cool the urban environment is an effective strategy to provide comfortable open areas in hot countries; but urban greening is more than just an environmental concern, it is a social preoccupation too as inefficient open spaces can lead to exclusion and isolation. GONÇALO DE CARVALHO One of the most inspiring examples of how green areas contribute to upgrading the quality of the urban environment is Gonçalo de Carvalho, which is considered by many as “the most beautiful street in the world” (and we do not dare to disagree). It is indeed the most beautiful street in the world, not only because of the impressive visual effect this green tunnel creates but also because of the touching love the residents have for these stunning trees.

GONÇALO DE CARVALHO; credit: Adalberto Cavalcanti Adreani

THE STREET: WHAT? WHERE? WHEN? Gonçalo de Carvalho is a street located in the city of Porto Alegre, in Southern Brazil, between the districts of Independência and Floresta. More than a hundred Rosewood trees (Tipuana tipu) line it at both sides which, according to residents, were planted in the 1930s by employees of a local brewery. View Larger Map In 2005, a shopping mall that was to be build nearby threatened the beautiful street. Trees would have to be removed and the traditional paving of the road would be replaced by asphalt. The local community protested against the intervention and it had a successful outcome: the municipality declared Gonçalo de Carvalho part of the city’s Historical, Cultural and Environmental Heritage and would remain as it is. The street then became famous worldwide not only for its gorgeous Redwoods, but by the initiative of the residents to preserve it as well. URBAN GREENING & THERMAL COMFORT Trees can help create the perfect climate even in a overheated urban area – if you live in a hot tropical country, you know how important this is. But how can they do that? There are many parameters that influence human thermal comfort but we are going to focus on the environmental variables only. They are:

GONÇALO DE CARVALHO; credit: ‘Amigos da Gonçalo de Carvalho

Solar radiation
Temperature of surrounding surfaces
Air temperature
Humidity
Wind speed.
Trees can improve each of these parameters by:
Creating shade, which prevents solar radiation from heating surfaces
Cooling the air through evapotranspiration
Increasing relative humity through transpiration
Reducing air speed, acting as barriers.

We can say they pretty much work as natural air-conditioners (check out the 5th fact at “8 Amazing Facts About Trees You Didn’t Know”) with regards to improving climatic conditions. This is of major importance in landscape architecture as comfortable environments promote the use of open spaces and increase vitality of cities. QUALITY OF OUTDOOR AREAS & THE NEED TO PRESERVE There is no doubt urban trees have a positive effect on people’s lives. Green areas improve the physical, environmental, economic and social aspects of the landscape which are very important in the planning of more sustainable cities. Climate change is upon us and an increase on energy demand for cooling systems could lead us to a global crisis. This situation compels us to seek ’green solutions’ and Gonçalo de Carvalho is an example of how quality of life in cities can be improved with a zero-energy approach. Besides, the street also brought the community together in the need to preserve their heritage fo future generations, strengthening public power in a country that is so in need of it. – A special thanks to Cesar Cardia and the organisation “Amigos da Gonçalo de Carvalho”. For more information, contact them at: You can follow them on there blog and at their Facebook page. Article written by Julia Lucchese