Derby’s square, the picturesque garden of Recife

Abstract

Derby Square is a relevant public space in Recife, recognized as a historic garden and Brazilian cultural heritage due to Burle Marx’s intervention in the 1930s. However, its construction dates back to the 1920s, the period of modernization of the city, with scarce discussions, until now, about its initial design. This article aims to contribute to the historiographical process of Derby Square, focusing mainly on the 1920s and 1930s, ranging from its construction to Burle Marx’s remodeling. To this end, the technique of indirect documentation was adopted, using primary written and visual sources not yet discussed or published, allowing an investigation, recording, analysis, and interpretation of events and the formulation of a new narrative. With this research, it is understood that Derby Square can be interpreted as a palimpsest, in which the elements of the different periods that make up its history are also responsible for highlighting this garden as cultural heritage.