Parque Una São José dos Campos: a sensitive approach to urbanism between city and nature.
Global Design & Architecture Design Awards 2025
Second Award | Public Landscape (Concept)
Project Name: Parque Una São José dos Campos
Category: Public Landscape (Concept)
Studio Name: Idealiza Cidades
Design Team: Área Urbanismo, SWA Group, EXP Urbanismo, Carve, MDAD Arquitetura
Area: 565.146,60 m²
Year: 2024
Location: São José dos Campos, SP – Brazil
Consultants: –
Photography Credits: –
Render Credits: Nankinverse
Other Credits: Erro Studio
Located in one of the last major urban voids of São José dos Campos (SP), between the city’s most verticalized neighborhood and a protected environmental area with views of the Serra da Mantiqueira, Parque Una proposes a harmonious connection between urban fabric and natural landscape. It is a planned neighborhood that applies the principles of contemporary urbanism, focusing on people, mixed-use diversity, and sustainability.
The project is structured as a mixed-use territory, with plots allocated for the future construction of buildings and houses, following guidelines defined by the urban design concept. Living, working, studying, shopping, socializing, and resting take place within walkable distances, fostering a sense of belonging and community life.
Two major parks organize the territory and guide its occupation: the Central Park, which structures the denser area, and the Water Spring Park, anchored in an environmental preservation zone. Vegetation plays both a visual and functional role, dividing the area into two complementary sectors.
The Park Sector concentrates mixed-use buildings arranged around the Central Park — a public, tree-lined space with wide sidewalks, active frontages, and strong urban permeability. A lookout point was strategically positioned to frame the views of the Serra da Mantiqueira, integrating the neighborhood with the regional landscape.
The street grid was designed to encourage active mobility, with calm streets, bike lanes, universal accessibility, and seamless connectivity between blocks. The proposal combines balanced density, functional diversity, and spatial accessibility to promote shorter, safer, and more sustainable daily movements.
The Water Spring Sector is predominantly residential and directly connected to reforested environmental areas. The street layout reduces speeds, enhances safety, and improves public space quality. This park protects water recharge zones and native vegetation, offering contemplative leisure amidst nature.
Construction works for Parque Una São José dos Campos are in their initial phase, marking the beginning of an innovative and human-centered approach to urban development.
