Roberto Burle Marx was the most famous landscape architect to come out of South America; indeed, he may have been one of the most famous in the entire world. He almost single-handedly introduced the concepts of modern design into Brazilian landscapes.
Photo courtesy of Cultura Estadao.
Marx’s work is defined by a deep respect for the natural habitat and ecology of plants, which is one reason his landscapes are so arresting. Along with his education in visual arts, Marx avidly studied the plant life of his native Brazil, considering their natural growth patterns and bloom schedules, along with the ecological effect of each plant on its surrounding landscape. This, along with his masterful use of water elements, allowed him to create singular landscapes that seem to meld into the environment and architecture around them.
While Marx is best know for his landscape work alongside such prestiguous designers as Oscar Niemeyer and Lucio Costa, the artist also made a mark on the natural habitats of Brazil; he was one of the first to advocate the preservation of Brazilian rainforests and today has over 50 species of plantlife named after him.
Sítio Roberto Burle Marx in Rio de Janeiro. Photo courtesy of Citi News.
Throughout his career, Marx designed landscapes and gardens in Brazil, Argentina, Chile, many other South American countries, France, South Africa, Washington D.C. and Los Angeles. His work has a timeless quality and many of his designs have survived to this day.
Vargem Grande Gardens, 1979. Photo by Malcolm Ragget.
Rooftop of the Ministry of Education in Brasilia, 1937. Photo courtesy of Scott Natvig.
Rooftop of the Ministry of Education in Brasilia, 1937. Photo courtesy of Scott Natvig.
Garden for the Ministry of the Army in Brasilia, 1970. Photo by Malcolm Raggett.
Raul de Souza Martins Residence in Petropolis Brazil, 1983. Photo by Malcom Ragget.
Raul de Souza Martins Residence in Petropolis Brazil, 1983. Photo by Malcom Ragget.
Edmundo Cavanellas Residence in Petropolis, Brazil 1954. Photo by Jill Raggett.
Edmundo Cavanellas Residence in Petropolis, Brazil 1954. Photo by Jill Raggett.
Itamaraty Palace in Brasilia, 1970. Photo courtesy of El Nacional.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Brasilia, 1962. Photo courtesy of Julian Weyer.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Brasilia, 1962. Photo courtesy of Julian Weyer.
Sítio Roberto Burle Marx in Rio de Janeiro. Photo courtesy of Citi News.
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