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Description

The project will be located in the bay of Rio de Janeiro on the Cotonduba Island, in the obligatory aircraft approach for landing. It will comprise a vertical structure, designed to be an observation tower and sought to become a new symbol for those arriving in Rio, whether they arrive by air or sea. The aim of this project is to ask how the classic concept of a landmark can be reconsidered. It is less about an expressive, iconic architectural form; rather, it is a return to content and actual, real challenges for the imminent post-oil-era.This project represent a message of a society facing the future; thus, it is the representation of an inner attitude.

The RAFAA project will provide energy both to the city of Rio de Janeiro and its citizens while using natural resources. This feature was planned to convey an international Olympic message with a political appeal. After hosting the United Nation’s Earth Summit in 1992, Rio de Janeiro will once again be the starting point for a global green movement and for a sustainable development of urban structures.

The project consists of a solar power plant that by day produces energy for the city and the Olympic village. Excessive energy will be pumped as seawater into the tower. By night, the water can be released again and with the help of turbines, generate electricity that can be used for the lighting of the tower and / or for the city. On special occasions, this “machine building” will transform into an impressive wonder of nature: an urban waterfall, a symbol for the forces of nature.

Visitors will access the building thru an urban plaza located 60 meters over sea level, with an amphitheatre. From here the visitor can reach the ground floor entrance. Both areas and amphitheatre can serve as a place for social gatherings and events. The cafeteria and the shop are situated beneath the waterfall and offer a breathtaking view. The public elevator will take the visitor to the observation decks and the urban balcony. The administration offices will be reached directly from the foyer. The semi-public spaces will be in the back area of the building. A retractable platform for bungee jumping was planned to be located on level +90.5 m. Long distance observation will be possible from the observation deck on level +98.0 m. From the urban balcony, to be placed at the top of the tower’s 105 meters, the visitor will be able to enjoy a 360° view of the surrounding landscape and experience the waterfall while walking over a glass skywalk.

Biography

Rafael Schmidt studied architecture at the University of Applied Sciences, Frankfurt and achieved a master’s degree in architecture at the ETH Zurich, department of Computer Aided Architectural Design (CAAD) under the chair of Prof. Ludger Hovestadt. Since 2001, he has been working with different international architects such as Zaha Hadid Architects and Foster & Partners. In 2007, he founded RAFAA, an award winning studio for architecture and design based in Zurich. The studio critically analyses the contemporary architectural discourse and combines the insights gained with creative inventions, new technologies and design by research.

The collaboration with different artists such as photographers, composers or curators is a further key element. The art installation J `adore aglisia was shown at the 6th Berliner Kunstsalon. Rafael Schmidt was a guest critic at the University of Kassel and the AA School in London. He is currently teaching architecture and urban design under Prof. Marc Angélil at the ETH Zurich and is editor in chief of the publication Cities of Change, Addis Ababa.