Located on the third floor of
CASACOR Rio 2024 , the
Rooftop Ilhas Verdes was designed by landscaper
Ana Veras with the aim of creating paths and
islands of tropical vegetation to transform a passageway area of the Fashion Mall shopping mall into an environment that invites visitors to
enjoy nature, relax and value the present moment . With free access to the general public, the space, which is surrounded by shops and restaurants, has
generous circulation areas that lead to two lounges, totaling 450
m2 of landscaping, bathed in
natural light .
Ana Veras - Rooftop Ilhas Verdes. Projeto da CASACOR Rio de Janeiro 2024. (André Nazareth/CASACOR)
According to Ana Veras, the inspiration for the project came from the
lush nature of São Conrado , the neighborhood where the exhibition is taking place, especially the
Atlantic Forest of the Tijuca Forest and the rocky massifs of Pedra da Gávea and Pedra Bonita. “Our main references were the landscaper
Burle Marx , a pioneer in the use of native species that are easy to maintain and require little water, and the biologist
Patrick Blanc , who developed the vertical garden, transforming arid urban areas into green oases,” she reveals.
To give the
landscaping a forest-like appearance, Ana chose plants for their hardiness, resistance, volume and color. Among the species selected, she highlights
jabuticaba trees, pitanga trees, neomaricas, palm trees, bromeliads, as well as various types of philodendrons and shrubs . The water element is also present in the space through two fountains.
The project also features other highlights: six vegetated columns with automated
vertical gardens ; the
floor planters with organic shapes that surround the entire railing of the same prism; the
outdoor furniture that decorates the lounges, mixing
contemporary and rustic styles – the latter, made from trees that have already completed their life cycle in nature, enhances the shape and colors of the wood in its original raw state. As for lighting, Ana opted for
solar screens that filter natural light and sunlight without blocking ventilation.
Also note the
organically shaped rugs that delimit the lounges,
designed by the landscaper herself exclusively for the show, called the Natural Mosaic collection. “They were handcrafted from leftover rugs in
earthy tones , with varied materials and weaves, sewn together in such a way as to resemble landscaping projects, seen from above,” explains Ana. Looking upward, the
hanging piassava totems by artist Mônica Carvalho,
organically shaped Imbé vines by Roberto Dias and the
flock of birds in wood by sculptor Rogério Fernandes draw attention.
“In general, we adopted materials, finishes and colors that connect with the
tones and textures of nature itself to provoke a feeling of refuge, comfort and well-being, without taking away the protagonism of the vegetation.
Our space is a 'breath' in the urban jungle, an invitation to slow down ”, concludes the landscaper.
Service - CASACOR Rio 2024
Where: Fashion Mall - 899 - Sao Conrado - Rio de Janeiro (RJ)
When: September 24 to November 24, 2024
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 12pm to 9pm
Digital box office: https://appcasacor.com.br/events/rio-de-janeiro-2024 Ticket prices: R$ 110 - Full R$ 55 - Half
Half price for students, teachers, disabled people and their companions, and people aged 60 or over. Mandatory presentation of the institution's ID card/proof of payment/valid photo ID. Children up to 11 years old do not pay if they have ID.
