Roberto Burle Marx and the defense of the Brazilian landscape in the Federal Council of Culture

Abstract

This article highlights four lectures given by the landscape architect Roberto Burle Marx as a member of the Federal Council of Culture, representing the Chamber of Arts, between 1967 and 1974. These lectures are primary sources that reflect the conservationist side of Burle Marx and his concern with preserving the Brazilian landscape after observing the destruction of forests in the face of disorderly urban development and neglect of public gardens during his travels and botanical excursions. Here these lectures are transcribed, organized chronologically, and preceded by commentary based on interpretations of the thoughts expressed in these documents; the objective is to demonstrate that Burle Marx is not only notable for his artistic work (in landscaping projects and the fine arts), for which he became known worldwide and is still studied today, but also as an environmental activist in defense of the Brazilian landscape and consequently the preservation of Brazil’s cultural and natural heritage.

Keywords
Burle Marx; Federal Council of Culture; Landscape; Preservation