the project under consideration will be located in the bay of the city of rio de janeiro on
the cotonduba island, which is the obligatory approach for aircraft landing and will comprise
a vertical structure which will seek to become a symbol for those arriving in rio, creating an
image potent enough to enable rio to triumph in its bid to host the summer olympics in 2016.
the challenge, therefore, consisted of designing a observation tower which will become a symbol
welcoming all those who visit rio de janeiro, whether they arrive by air or sea.




the tower rising over the clouds




the tower rising over the clouds








the project consists of a solar power plant that by day produces energy for the city respectively
the olympic village. excessive energy will be pumped as seawater into a tower. by night, the water
can be released again; with the help of turbines, it generates electricity for the night. the electricity
produced can be used for the lighting of the tower or for the city. on special occasions, this 'machine
building' turns into an impressive wonder of nature: an urban waterfall, a symbol for the forces
of nature. at the same time, it will be the representation of a collective awareness of the city towards
its great surrounding landscape. via an urban plaza located 60 meters over sea level you gain access
to the building. through the amphitheatre, you reach the entrance situated on the ground floor.







both entrance area and amphitheatre can serve as a place for social gatherings and events.
the public spaces are also accessible from this point on. the cafeteria and the shop are situated
beneath the waterfall and offer a breathtaking view. the public elevator takes the visitor to
the observation decks and the urban balcony. the administration offices can be reached directly
from the foyer. its inner circulation is organised by an own entrance and the elevator. the semi-public
spaces are located in the back area of the building; thus, they can be used separately. a retractable
platform for bungee jumping is located on level +90.5. long distance observation can be done
from the observation deck on level +98.0. the urban balcony is situated at the top of the tower
105 meters above sea level. here the visitor has a 360° view of the landscape and can experience
the waterfall while walking over the glass sky walk.
















entrance of the tower




aerial view