Description
As Architectural Designer at Davis Brody Bond.
Rio is one of the world’s most beautiful cities, defined by its vivid natural setting and festive urban life. For the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, we propose the ‘Nature Promenades’ framework for a radical celebration of these two essential qualities of life in Rio: the vivid and tactile expression of nature, and the intense affinity for social and festive urban experiences. The ‘Nature Promenades’ are the primary connective feature of the Games, designed to move people more efficiently into and within the Olympic Park and to create meaningful amenity and public realm. They create a dedicated, pedestrian only walkway at a raised level, offering spectators direct and efficient access to all venues. On ground, they create secure and efficient logistics operation with direct access to all venues for the athletes and the Olympic family.
There are three distinct promenade landscapes within this green framework: 1) The ‘Olympic Esplanade’ is the centerpiece, a raised promenade that generates exceptional views of the lagoon and surrounding mountains. It also creates secure and clear access to the venues and southward to the Waterfront and Olympic Live Site. 2) The ‘Waterfront Park’ contains the public performance and activity area. It will be a landscape of exceptional tropical nature where gentle undulations in topography create a landscape of beautifully vegetated hills and hollows. 3) ‘Green Streets’ ensure cohesive circulation and security during the games and act as the main movement and logistics corridors.
In Legacy, the ‘Promenades’ become a primary organizational framework while creating a flexible strategy for transitioning into a sustainable and vibrant new district of Barra da Tijuca and Rio.