Rosa Grena Kliass

She is considered to be one of the most significant practicing designers in the history of modern and contemporary landscape architecture in Brazil.

[1] Her projects include the renovation of the Anhangabaú Valley, the Parque da Juventude, and the landscape master plan for the city of São Paulo do Maranhão.

[2] Through Cardozo, Alembick was introduced to designers in California, including Thomas Church, Garrett Eckbo and Lawrence Halprin.

In 1969, Kliass was awarded a scholarship from the USAID to visit the United States and learn about the profession and teachings of landscape architecture there.

Her master's thesis ultimately led to the book she authored, titled Urban Parks of São Paulo, published in 1993.

Her most notable projects include the renovation of the Anhangabaú Valley and the landscapes of international airports in Brasília and Belém.

The refurbishment of São Paulo’s Vale do Anhangabaú in 1991 was executed through a competition won by urban planner Jorge Wilheim and landscape architect Rosa Grena Kliass and marked the return of landscape architecture and public civic space in Brazil under the new democratic government.

The project reconnected two sections of downtown São Paulo long divided by highways and infrastructure by creating a large pedestrian space elevated above the street.

[5] While working on a project in São Paulo for Mayor Faria Lima, Kliass formed a group of landscape designers in city hall with co-worker and friend Miranda Magnoli, and convinced the mayor to form the Department of Parks and Green Areas of the City of São Paulo.

In 1976, Kliass founded the Brazilian Association of Landscape Architects (ABAP) and served as its president for five non-consecutive years throughout 1980-2000.