Para olhar o jardim na cidade : turismo, design gráfico e o Jardim Botânico de Porto Alegre/RS

Abstract

The contemporary city finds, in its contrasts, a dialogue with its inhabitants and users. In it, the spaces are stimulated by the visual information and technology. The botanical gardens, in its scientific function, preserves botanical species and keeps them as cultural heritage, but it is also a space of community, learning and leisure. In this way, it seeks to deepen ties with their visitors, leading them to reflect and consider the importance of those spaces in and for the city. This thesis aims to analyse and evaluate the Jardim Botânico de Porto Alegre's interpretative signage, contextualised from urban scenarios where the demands from the residents and Tourism are found. We looked for contributions in Graphic Design (visual research and wayfinding projects) and Heritage Interpretation (the garden as heritage). As methodology, the bibliographic study sought to describe the historical presence of the gardens and botanical gardens, as well as to bring contributions of the understanding of these areas with regard to their relationship with their visitors, heritage interpretation, graphic design, and in the theory of Citizen Tourism. The empirical study took place in Jardim Botânico de Porto Alegre, considered here as a space of ecological and cultural awereness, using as fieldwork technique a non-participant observation and photographic record. Such methodological proceedures provided the analysis and evaluation of the present signage in the Jardim Botânico de Porto Alegre, supported by analysis indicators strengthened from the corpus of the graphic design's visual study. In this way, the Jardim Botânico de Porto Alegre acts for its residents as a space of leisure, tourism, research and conservation, however, there are gaps in the interpretative signage that prevent its cultural and botanical heritage from being presented in its totality, which weakens the relationship of the users with the area.