Visiondivision shared their Eden Falls entry for a vertical zoo competition organized by Arquitectum with us. The design features a thunderous water curtain facade that offers a dramatic entry condition as visitors pass over a moat of crocodiles and into a free setting where monkeys and birds freely roam about the building, and a pool with fresh water dolphins rests on the roof.
The water curtain is formed as a result of the building taking water from the river, cleaning it and then pumping it through a system of huge pipes (which form the building’s structural system). The constant overflow on the roof causes the water to flow off the sides, enveloping the entire structure in a dynamic waterfall. The rush of water conceals the pipe structure and as the falling water hits the surface, it is turned into energy via turbines and a generator. The structure is completely self-sufficient and can provide for water and energy for other future structures in the reserve or existing ones in Puerto Madero. It also becomes a unique and striking symbol for the Costanera Sur and the river.
A core of circulation rests in the middle of the building and several cantilevered footbridges breach the waterfall so one can enjoy the views of the Costanera Sur, the city and the river.
The floors for the animals are divided into flats for each species, with a balcony that pierces the waterfall and a typology of plants and vegetation that is suitable for that animal.
