mauricio a. ureta villagra: observation platform in talca, chile

‘estación infiernillo’ by mauricio a. ureta villagra, talca, chile image © mauricio ureta v.

chilean architect mauricio a. ureta villagra has recently completed ‘estación infiernillo’, an observation platform on the south central coast in talca, chile. positioned within a town affected by the tsunami in 2010, the space for pause and contemplation is placed along a route used by local inhabitants and tourists. divided into two diverse events, the lower passage is carved into the steep hill, compressing the procession through the vast landscape emphasizing solely the auditory experience of ocean sounds.

stairs descend into the rock formations while a retaining wall comprised of wooden slats rises to screen and envelope the individual. the higher path leads to an open deck revealing unobstructed panoramic vistas of the coastline and pacific ocean. a bench formed with stacked stones becomes a resting point, while the minimal railing dips to avoid obstructing the vantage point from a seated position.

view of the south pacific image © mauricio ureta v.

pathway cut into the hill image © mauricio ureta v.

aerial view of pathway image © mauricio ureta v.

(left) platform detail (right) platform to view the panoramic vistaas image © mauricio ureta v.

railing detail image © mauricio ureta v.

top view of stairs image © mauricio ureta v.

(left) stairs bordering retaining wall (right) wooden planks edge the rock formations images © mauricio ureta v.

person on platform image © mauricio ureta v.

floor plan / level 0

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isometric diagram

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