A methodology to identify the heritage attributes and values of a modernist landscape: Roberto Burle Marx’s Copacabana beach promenade in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil)

Abstract As new heritage categories have emerged, the process of identifying heritage value has become more complex, necessitating new tools to enable professionals to identify all attributes and values that determine the uniqueness of an asset before embarking upon its management and conservation. Burle Marx’s Copacabana promenade in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is representative of a modernist landscape design, and therefore, a cultural heritage asset. This article proposes a mixed methodology for identifying the heritage attributes and values of this modernist landscape through document analysis, site observations and surveys. This information is essential for the long-term conservation of the Copacabana promenade. Historical, aesthetic, technological and environmental values are represented in attributes that include the design itself, the calceteira technique and the selected tree species. The values and attributes of these assets inform the conservation strategies that are designed to end their abandonment and deterioration.