by amauri gaspar conceptualizes amazon pavilion
Located on the banks of the Amazon River, Amauri Gaspar envisions a fish trap-shaped pavilion that preserves and revives the memory of indigenous culture. Celebrating the community’s rich heritage and lifestyle, the large curved structure houses facilities to preserve the region’s rich biological and marine diversity, coupled with distinctive tourism experiences.
With a simple vernacular architecture, emblematic of a synthesis of man’s relationship with nature in the Amazon, the pavilion is clad in wickerwork that emulates the traditional artisan technique of basketry in a delicate constructive expression. Gaspar finishes off the complex with a PET cover integrated with photovoltaic cells for renewable energy. The complex also floats on stilts to accommodate drastic changes in the water levels of the Amazon River throughout the year.
all images by Amauri Gaspar
a floating complex to preserve local biodiversity
Fluidly adaptable, the Amazon Pavilion floats to adapt to fluctuating water levels and the sudden changes of the seasons. ‘You don’t fight with water, you live with it’ says designer Amauri Gaspar. The island experiences two very different seasons, causing opposite life situations for the residents. Throughout the season from March to August, an ideal time to visit the Igapos, the water levels rise to 15 meters. During the dry season from September to February, river levels reach their lowest point, reducing space for fish and making fishing and alligator viewing much easier.
In response, the pavilion’s foundations are reed-filled ceramic tables, considered unsinkable to cope with rising sea levels. The designer places rings around the pillars and stakes to stabilize the complex and make sure it stays in place despite the building’s floating movements.
loaded with the memory of indigenous heritage
The project commemorates the memory and way of life of indigenous peoples, a community that fought for their land, their diversity and their historical customs, with a patrimonial and sustainable development scheme. Indigenous communities, who represent only less than 5% of the world’s population, protect 80% of the world’s biodiversity. As such, the pavilion is dedicated to preserving the natural elements of the region, incorporating agricultural and marine areas, algae cultivation, and bioenergy spaces.
In addition, the complex generates an equitable hierarchy for its program, based on the lack of social classes of the indigenous society, where instead everyone is treated equally. This is reflected in the architecture, circulation and internal divisions. The pavilion consists of four levels. At the lowest level are the restaurants and private spaces for the administration. Above are the exhibition floors where the daily activities take place.. At the entrance, the portals maintain the temperature and air circulation. Around it, a large dock deck leads to marine and fish farming areas, algae and bioenergy cultivation spaces, and tourist facilities.
project information:
Name: Amazon Pavilion
designer: Arc. Amauri Gaspar
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edited by: ravail khan | design boom
