Urban Green Design

The “Folha” House is a conceptual proposal for the Rio de Janeiro Culture Center that looks to capture and captivate visitors with an organic flow both exterior and interior. Much of the design is inspired from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and the 2014 World Cup Logo. The three glass exterior walls symbolize the three hands holding up the ball. These walls also represent the transparency between nations in the spirit of the games.

The roof inspiration was taken from the natural structure the Brazilwood Tree leaf. Sprouting from the ground, the roof rises from its heavily anchored base into an organic, light extruded frame that rests gracefully upon concealed tubular steel columns with in the modular curtain wall. As the cellular walls of a leaf, a transparent fabric membrane is stretched over the organic roof frame structure to provide shelter to guests. In keeping with the intent of resting lightly upon the earth, the building is assisted in its ecological self-sufficiency through a flexible building integrated photovoltaic system adhered to the primary fabric membrane, a rain water harvesting system, and a plant based water filtration system.

The design is a beacon, a welcome to all visitors; embracing the world to enjoy the games under the canopy of Brazil.