In the context of Chilean Metropolises such as Santiago, Valparaíso, and Concepción, ecological and social fragmentation of cities lead to significant environmental disturbances, including alterations to the urban climate, loss of biodiversity, and the gradual suppression of ecological corridors and native habitats, ultimately heightening current and future risks, and degrading the quality of life for urban residents stemming from excessive urbanisation, ineffective planning, maladaptive design, and environmental management in critical natural areas. Although an abundance of general frameworks and principles already exist, they necessitate a more contextual and integral approach that considers the natural dynamics of the landscape (landscape logic) as a base for social and economic development. This research presented a landscape approach taking the city of Valparaíso, Chile, as a case study. A methodological framework utilising mixed methods, was developed to analyse and diagnose potentialities of the landscape for developing practical knowledge for planning and design, conscious of the community demands and capacities, its ecological system and its complex geomorphology, and the future applications and assessment in biodiversity terms and social impact. A design-related research opens the opportunity as a methodology that will make it possible to incorporate different types of expertise and work on various scales. This research provides a means for developing spatial guidelines and design principles to strengthen Valparaíso’s green/blue infrastructure at multiple scales. It will ensure water security, biodiversity conservation, safer and more inclusive spaces, and better integration of informal settlements while enhancing ecosystem services for the community. Additionally, by incorporating the natural dynamics of the landscape, this approach provides ways to reduce risk, promote adaptation, and build resilience.

Contemporary urbanization has positioned urban areas as pivotal in global development, with cities driving economic activity while facing critical environmental challenges. Alongside this, concerns about climatic pressures on urbanized and natural areas are evident worldwide. This paper presents a landscape-based approach as a new paradigm for urban planning and design in Valparaíso (Chile), addressing challenges posed by contemporary urbanization and climate change. Cities increasingly serve as economic hubs yet face significant environmental threats, particularly in regions like Valparaíso, which is vulnerable to wildfires, floods, and landslides due to its geography and socio-ecological fragmentation.

Recent climate change impacts, exacerbated by inadequate planning and regulatory frameworks that fail to recognize hydrogeomorphological structures and socio-ecological systems, have heightened urban vulnerability and ecological degradation, leading to the loss of vital vegetation and ecosystems. This study underscores the interconnectedness of urbanization and natural systems, advocating a shift from traditional paradigms toward an adaptive landscape model. This model aims to create a healthy water system for freshwater supply, groundwater recharge, diverse ecosystems, and ecotones, integrating green/blue infrastructure, risk, and resilience strategies.

The research methodology follows two approaches: first, situating the study within new paradigms that examine ecology, landscape, and infrastructure as urban-environmental articulators; second, analyzing historical urban processes that have led to Valparaíso’s current deterioration. Finally, this study discusses urban paradigms that promote coexistence between urban development and ecological preservation, ensuring a sustainable future for the city and its inhabitants.