Oral Presentation World Sustainable Built Environment Conference 2026

Green Infrastructure as a tool for urban water resilience: a case study in the Congo watershed, São Paulo (132425)

Kárita Viana 1 , Fernanda Santos 1 , Beatriz Silva 1
  1. University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil

Given the current need to transform urban environments affected by rapid densification, aligned with the environmental agenda of recovering natural resources and promoting more resilient cities, this paper aims to propose the requalification and connection of urban open spaces through the implementation of Nature-Based Solutions (NBS), structured around the concept of green infrastructure. The study is part of the Urban Infrastructure Studio subject in the graduate program at the Faculty of Architecture and Urbanism at the University of São Paulo. The study area corresponds to the Ribeirão Verde watershed, located in the northwest region of São Paulo. Within this spatial focus, the Congo Stream micro-watershed was selected as a pilot area. The research involved cartographic analysis, multifunctional assessments of the territory, exploratory visits, and field surveys to understand local socio-environmental dynamics and water conditions. It also included a review of theoretical frameworks on NBS, green infrastructure, and urban resilience, as well as the collection of historical and socio-environmental data for the region. As a result, an integrated set of green infrastructure proposals is presented, focusing on sustainable urban drainage, stormwater treatment and retention, improved environmental comfort, and the enhancement of local identity. The strategies employed aim to strengthen the relationship between the environment and the community by combining physical interventions with environmental education initiatives. Thus, the study is framed as a demonstrative contribution to achieving Goals 6 and 13 from the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, highlighting the potential of Nature-Based Solutions as tools for environmental resilience in densely urbanized territories.