Roberto Burle Marx revolutionized landscape design in Brazil in the mid-20th century. His work redefined the urban landscape, culture and Brazilian identity thanks to the defense of native flora.
Despite being the country with the greatest diversity of flora on the planet – it has 50,000 species – Brazil's native plant wealth was for years reviled by its upper class. In his 60-year career he designed nearly 3,000 gardens, in addition to numerous residential projects, a park complex and public squares.