Calatrava’s talent has produced sculpturesque bridges and transportation hubs worldwide, and now, his sustainably-focused museum for Rio de Janeiro will also gain international attention. The architect/engineer has just unveiled his design which will be part of a larger urban design project to transform Rio’s waterfront into a thriving cultural and residential community.
More images and more about the museum after the break.
Upon wining the bid for the 2016 Olympic Games, which we featured previously on AD, Rio’s proposal included ideas for a museum to be a defining factor in their urban revitalization strategy.
Inspired by the natural landscape of the country, the two story museum features a cantilevered roof and facade with moving elements. The museum retains Calatrava’s sleek signature aesthetic as it seems to be moving outward, pushing out into the bay. The design incorporates a continuous strip of landscape along the southern lenght of the pier adding to the effect of the museum floating on top of the natural setting.
“Santiago Calatrava’s design unites the boldness of his other well-known works with the beauty of Guanabara Bay and the history surrounding the Pier Maua, as well as the whole region of Porto,” said Eduardo Pes, Mayor of Rio de Janeiro. “The Museum of Tomorrow perfectly matches the genius of this amazing Spanish architect and the soul that is present in Rio’s harbor area. I’m sure that the museum will serve as a milestone in the revitalization of that area and the whole city.”
All images courtesy of Santiago Calatrava, LLC.
