Hila Davidpu, Tal Gazit, Eli Gotman, and Hofi Harari recently shared their “ECO-CLIFF” proposal for the Buenos Aires Vertical Zoo Competition. The “ECO-CLIFF” is a revolutionary tower that will serve as a nesting ground for thousands of migrating birds as well as an ecological habitat for the different animals and species of the “Costanera Sur Ecological Reserve Zoo”.
Wrapped around a rigid structure, a system of nets and steel cables of varying densities covers the different functions, while maintaining, from a distance, the tower’s image of an organic cliff.
The perforated skin of the tower will allow the controlled penetration of natural light and fresh air as well as rain water, in preferred areas, along with a system of green vegetation ingrained in the netting system, thus creating a small eco-system within the buildings boundary.
In order to minimize the damage to the reserve by motored vehicles and the reduction of the greenhouse gas emissions in the city, the Eco-Cliff’s main entrance is via a cable-way which connects to a public transportation system. As an option, we suggest to re-use the old mill silos at Puerto Madero as a possible gateway station, therefore connecting the Av. De Mayo urban axis and subway station to the Costanera Sur Reserve.
As one of its primary functions, the Eco-Cliff will accommodate a variety of migrating birds which pass the Costanera Sur Reserve each year. The migrating birds nesting areas would accompany the human visitors along their ascending path throughout the varied elements of the tower, including the different animal spaces and the observation decks.
The cliff- like tower seeks to be self-sustained with the help of photovoltaic cell system along with an ecological recycling and water treatment facilities.
By taking a unique eco-educational point of view, the Eco-Cliff would create an unforgettable educating experience to the visitor on board as well as a spectacular landmark for the Costanera Sur Reserve and the city of Buenos Aires skyline.
