ICE architects: rio

‘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