The central theme of this thesis is to discuss the depiction of nature in the work of the Chilean author María Luisa Bombal and to show how she introduces a woman's perspective into these texts. The emphasis is on finding t ypical symbols which are used in the author's novels and short stories and to focus on their specific usage and connotations. For greater clarit y, the author's work is divided into 3 major thematic units: seeking for love in vain, the cosmic connection of female characters wi th nature, and her interpretation of the relationship between life and death.

[pt] As crises climática e de biodiversidade que afetam o planeta requerem mudanças profundas nos modelos socioeconômicos que têm sido apontados como uma das causas da degradação ambiental recente. Valores e comportamentos adotados pela sociedade moderna são uma das maiores ameaças à integridade dos processos naturais. A interação da humanidade com o meio ambiente é parte de um sistema socioecológico no qual é possível intervir para reverter ou mitigar seus efeitos negativos na natureza. O conceito de pontos de alavancagem propõe a identificação de componentes de um sistema complexo nos quais se pode intervir com grande potencial de mudança nos seus resultados. A conexão das pessoas com a natureza representa um ponto de alavancagem de alto impacto dentro desse sistema, pois tem o potencial de gerar uma nova mentalidade, criar valores e estimular comportamentos favoráveis à causa da sustentabilidade. O contato direto com ambientes naturais preservados, as atividades ao ar livre, a observação da vida selvagem e o conhecimento da história e culturas de determinadas regiões estimulam a conexão das pessoas com o mundo natural, que tem se perdido com o modelo de vida moderno, concentrado em ambientes urbanos e afastado da natureza. A criação de unidades de conservação públicas ou privadas que possam ser acessadas pela população é um importante vetor de conexão das pessoas com a natureza e, portanto, um importante elemento na mudança de valores e comportamentos danosos ao meio ambiente. A partir da apresentação e discussão das bases conceituais da conexão das pessoas com a natureza, este trabalho articula o tema como base para o plano de manejo de uma unidade de conservação privada (RPPN) cujo foco principal é a conexão das pessoas com a natureza, reforçando valores e comportamentos de respeito à vida e ao meio ambiente. / [en] The climate and biodiversity crises affecting the planet require profound changes in socioeconomic models that have been identified as one of the root causes of recent environmental degradation. The values and behaviours adopted by contemporary society stand as a formidable menace to the integrity of natural processes. Human interaction with the environment is a component of a socio ecological system in which it is possible to intervene to reverse or mitigate its negative effects on nature. The concept of leverage points proposes the identification of components of a complex system in which it is possible to intervene with great potential for changing its outcomes. Human-nature connectedness represents a high-impact leverage point within this system, as it has the potential to generate a new mindset, create values and stimulate behaviours favourable to the cause of sustainability. Direct contact with preserved natural environments, outdoor activities, wildlife observation and knowledge of the history and cultures of certain regions stimulate people s connection with the natural world, which has been lost with the modern urban-centric lifestyle. Establishing easily accessible public or private conservation areas plays a crucial role in rekindling this connection between people and nature, consequently serving as a pivotal element in reshaping values and behaviours that harm the environment. This work not only presents but also delves into the foundational concepts underpinning the connection between people and nature. It weaves this theme into the foundation of a management plan for a private reserve (RPPN) that centres around fostering the connection between individuals and the natural world. This endeavour aims to reinforce values and behaviours that revere life and champion nature conservation.

More and more research studies are being conducted on the quality of architectural space as a factor affecting our mental, social and physical health. In the past, this topic was often overlooked in its complexity. The establishment of the specialized fields of building biology, biophilic architecture and the works of Christopher Alexander and Nikos Salingaros now allow us to consider various facets of this subject. This dissertation aims to analyse the topic of vitality in architectural space by studying the abilities and perceptions of its users. Therefore its aim is not to develop a new theory of “vitality-enhancing architectural space”, but to describe how this phenomenon is perceived by the users themselves. Users can provide feedback on which features of architectural space they see as the most important for the feeling of vitality. These features have been hierarchically organized based on their perceived importance, analysed and described in detail to allow their relatively easy application in practice. This dissertation will also allow a comparison with other existing works on the studied topic.