The urban aesthetics in the work of Saturnino de Brito

Abstract

This text, based on the Master Project for the graduate course in Architecture and Urban Planning (MDU/UFPE, 2006), addresses the Saturnino de Brito’s thought in its aesthetic and paisagistic issues. Remarkable engineer in sanitaristic field and also considered one of the first ones modern city planner who have a global vision of the city and as an object of art. The main objective is to understand the beginning of the paisagism planning in Brasil using the Saturnino de Brito’s experiences taking account of the sanitation improvements, urban improvements and expansion plans of the cities. Also discussed is the question of what are the paisagistic principles considered especially in Recife, which guided the Plan of Improvements for the city and also some of the political practices. The study investigates the main sanitation plans, improvements plans and expansion plans of the Brazilian cities: Vitória – ES (1896-1926), Santos – SP (1905-1910), Recife – PE (1909-1915), Pelotas – RS (1927-1929) and Natal (1935-1939). In each one were investigated the main structural element of these plans and landscape, too: the draining canals in open air. So, The basic premise of this work is that, in view of the increase development of the cities, a critical and conscientious vision of the urban practices based on the history of the place make the discussion about the urban landscape’s treatment essential for a healthy city that respects its historical roots.