Amazon River becomes permanent home for Carlo Ratti and Höweler + Yoon's AquaPraça plaza
A floating plaza designed by Italian studio Carlo Ratti Associati and US firm Höweler + Yoon Architecture has anchored in Belém, Brazil, following its residency at the Venice Architecture Biennale.
Named AquaPraça, the 400-square-metre plaza was transported to Belém at the mouth of the Amazon River, where it formed part of the Italian Pavilion at the COP30 climate conference from 10 to 21 November.
AquaPraça will now remain a permanent installation on the Guajará Bay, having been donated by Italy to the Brazilian government to provide public space for climate discussion.
"The project was always conceived as a journey – a structure with many lives," said Carlo Ratti Associati founder Carlo Ratti, who curated this year's Venice Architecture Biennale.
"From Venice to Belém as Italy's pavilion for COP30, it will ultimately remain in the Amazon as permanent cultural infrastructure," Ratti continued.
"This is the essence of circularity – the continual reuse and reinvention over time."
Constructed from steel, the plaza is partly submerged in the water and features sloped floors that guide visitors to higher lookout points and lower levels where they are close to the water's surface.
A rectangular cut-out in the centre of the platform creates a water feature, and for its Brazil location, Carlo Ratti Associati and Höweler + Yoon Architecture added a square canopy that bends upwards at two opposite corners.
It is hoped that the AquaPraça plaza becomes a cultural landmark that signifies the relationship between Italy and Brazil and their efforts to address climate change.
"The concept of a floating forum is truly innovative and aligns perfectly with our vision for COP30," said COP30 president Andre Corrêa do Lago.
"Bringing this structure to Brazil would create a striking and symbolic presence at the conference, highlighting our commitment to sustainability," Corrêa do Lago continued.
"Moreover, it could serve as a lasting legacy of our joint efforts and a continuous reminder of the importance of sustainability."
Other floating designs recently featured on Dezeen include wooden pinecone-shaped huts for ducks and a sauna in California made from shipping containers.
The photography is by Leonardo Finotti unless stated.
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