A remarkable urban transformation has taken place in Florianópolis, Brazil, where JA8 Arquitetura Viva has completed the São Luís Fort Square project, creating a new public space that honors the site's rich historical legacy while serving contemporary community needs. The 1,980 square meter project, led by architect Juliana Castro, represents a thoughtful approach to urban design that balances historical reverence with modern functionality.

The Praça do Forte São Luís occupies a privileged location within Florianópolis's urban fabric, situated strategically between important circulation axes that enhance its symbolic value within the city's network of public spaces. The square's proximity to significant public green areas provides residents with diverse activity options, while the nearby waterfront along Avenida Beira Mar serves as one of the city's primary spaces for leisure and contemplation. This linear park, which functions at a citywide scale due to its central island location, will soon accommodate the City Marina alongside new recreational infrastructure.

The design concept for this new square aims to establish a destination that can serve as a reference point for both residents and visitors to the state capital. This tourist destination has been conceived to reflect the natural characteristics and urban quality of Florianópolis while remaining a pleasant location for daily use by local inhabitants. The privileged location of the square has enabled the design team to incorporate special landscaping elements that possess notable plasticity while referencing the site's historical significance.

The land's transformation tells a compelling story of urban evolution. Originally, this area was part of the sea itself. Historical records suggest that during the 18th century, the site housed the Gunpowder House of the Fortress São Luís da Praia de Fora, which was located nearby and formed part of the island's military defense system. As the city expanded over time, successive landfills moved the shoreline away from this location, and the site, having lost its defensive utility, eventually became private property. By the mid-20th century, the area had transformed into an open space used for fairs and public gatherings, but it subsequently deteriorated into an empty parking lot that awaited revitalization and human occupation.

One of the project's primary objectives was to honor this rich historical legacy without resorting to literal interpretation. The architects determined that a sculptural element could provide the space with new meaning while paying homage to its past. Rather than creating a raised volumetric object, the design proposal involves excavation. The central sculptural element takes the form of a pathway that guides visitors through the square, with water serving as the focal point.

The circular design spirals toward the center with a gentle incline, symbolically representing the island surrounded by water, with additional water at its heart. This intentional excavation into the ground conveys the message that the past remains embedded within the site. The design's symbolic power lies in its ability to reference both the site's maritime origins and its current island context.

The square's lighting design creates a particularly magical atmosphere during sunset hours. As the colorful hues of the setting sun reflect on the water's surface, they reveal subtle lighting created with optical fibers that emerge between the basalt stone pieces covering the ground. This lighting gesture alludes to a sky filled with stars positioned right in the heart of the square and along the pathway leading to it, creating a playful and enchanting atmosphere for visitors. Around the square's perimeter, taller light poles complete the comprehensive lighting scheme while enhancing the sense of safety and comfort that characterizes this public space.

In the square's dry areas, visitors can discover traces of the site's history through various informational totems that provide details about its rich past. These educational elements ensure that the historical narrative remains accessible to users while they enjoy the contemporary amenities.

Beyond the symbolic elements designed to honor this special place, the square plays a crucial role in bringing together people from different backgrounds, which represents a vital characteristic of successful public spaces. Located within a residential area, the square attracts residents from various social strata who gather to enjoy this well-designed public environment. The space includes additional playful elements, such as moving water features that provide genuine delight for children of all ages, and movable chairs positioned to allow visitors to appreciate the beautiful sunset views.

Consistent with the design's approach to engaging with history, water fountains emerge from the ground like a gentle dance in various areas throughout the square. This water element serves both functional and aesthetic purposes while maintaining the connection to the site's maritime heritage.

The transformation from the site's former military use to its current function as a powerful public space represents a new meaning appropriate for a contemporary city that prioritizes spaces for people and values natural elements. Several mature native trees have been strategically integrated into the square's perimeter, creating a welcoming atmosphere in relation to the surrounding streets. This landscaping approach ensures that visitors are welcomed into a cozy environment while maintaining a sunny central area where water serves as the primary element.

The vegetation serves as more than mere decoration; it functions as a guide along the pathway, directing visitors toward the center—the heart of the square. This thoughtful integration of landscape elements with the overall design concept demonstrates the architects' comprehensive understanding of how people move through and experience public spaces.

The São Luís Fort Square project by JA8 Arquitetura Viva represents a successful example of contemporary urban design that respects historical context while creating spaces that serve modern community needs. Through its thoughtful integration of water features, lighting design, historical references, and landscape elements, the square has established itself as a significant addition to Florianópolis's public space network, providing both residents and visitors with a meaningful place for gathering, contemplation, and community interaction.