'rio' by ICE architects
all images courtesy ICE architects


'rio' by hong kong architects ICE is a proposal for a tower in the south american city.
with a full 360-degree view over the city of rio as well as the ocean, the project has
the potential to not only serve as a lighthouse structure but also to create a panoramic
public plaza for the city. the project creates a ring with different floor heights to cater
for all kind of activities. they not only happen within the building but also outside along
the facade and roof platforms. instead of being just a visual icon, the building acts as an
enabler of public activities. extending the character of copacabana and ipanema with their
extensive beach promenades to the outlying island.

arriving by air, rio welcomes with a circular LED screen net in the center of the panorama
ring, which also projects rio’s activities in and around it to the spectator below at the pier,
while the visitor enjoys an unobstructed 360 degree view over the city and the ocean; inside
rio, a special tribune allows an opposite view to the bungee jump window and the level
changes allow for a variety of programs and connections to the rooftop of rio.












bungee jumping from the tower



rooftop viewing platform



interior



interior



interior




programs of the building



floor plan



elevation view



the platform unfolded


site plan



project name: rio
rio de janeiro city tower, open international competition
location: rio de janeiro
client: arquitectum, universidade estacio de sa, corporacionn miyasato
design team: ulrich kirchhoff, claudia wigger, louise low
site area: 2,000 m2
construction area: 1,400 m2