Praca Nossa Senhora da Luz (Our Lady of Light Square), Salvador

Once a lonely empty lot in the quiet neighborhood of Pituba, this square’s glow-up came a bit late, even as the area transformed into one of the city's most chic and important spots.

The real magic happened when the city’s revitalization program teamed up with private partners to support the design vision of architect Lucinei Caroso. After having spent 10 years in France working with big names in contemporary architecture, she brought her flair for design back to Bahia to transform the square.

The project, which is as technically impressive as it is beautiful, aimed to reconnect the community with the space and restore the essence of a square-one of socializing, well-being, and contemplation. The square's theme revolves around three concepts: Light, which gives the space its name, symbolized by a star in the center; Wind, flowing through sinuous paths; and Sea, symbolized in both the blue decor and the square’s proximity to the beach. In the center, a dancing fountain dazzles with light and sound, and benches surround it, offering the perfect spot to sit back and enjoy the show.

Shaped in a rectangle, the square’s interior now has a radial design, formed by concentric circles that alternate between green areas and circulation rings. These circles are divided by eight axes leading to the center, representing wind directions (northeast, southeast, southwest, and northwest) with paths winding in dark gray granite. The other four axes, in yellow porcelain, represent the four cardinal directions and have sharper curves. The design can be viewed as a mandala-a symbol of human essence harmonizing with the universe-along with a giant compass layout.

The revitalized space spans 12,900 square meters and is now one of the most impressive squares in Latin America.