12 Carioca-Wave-Onda-Carioca-by-Nir-Sivan-fixation-of-503-diferent-glasses_130928d

Carioca Wave
Onda Carioca

project: Carioca Wave (Onda Carioca), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

date: 2013

client: CasaShopping

category: Retail, Public

function: Freeform canopy and public landmark

budget: Confidential

area: Canopy: 1,130 square metres;

Adjacent context: 1,500 square metres (first phase)

role: Design–build: architectural design, project management

partners:
Structural Engineering: Knippers Helbig;

Construction: seele do brasil



publications:


ArqJornal


ObraVidro


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Context:

Rio de Janeiro, a UNESCO World Heritage city, has been chosen to host the FIFA World Cup in 2014, and the Olympic Games in 2016, events that are already bringing dynamic and economic growth to the whole region. The prestigious CasaShopping retail centre in which the project is located is in Barra da Tijuca, which is the main site for both events.

Description:

The freeform canopy of Carioca Wave is inspired by the impressive Barra da Tijuca coastline. The dynamics and movement of the sea are what stimulated us to form the natural sculptural shape of an ocean wave from which it takes its name. The project was driven artistically and emotionally, and developed architecturally, adding both value and function to its surroundings.

Masterplan:

Before embarking on the design of the Carioca Wave sculpture, we worked on a longer-term expansion and development plan for the entire retail complex. This masterplan includes four additional canopies with the goal of not only meeting current requirements, but also developing a unique and distinct brand identity for the future.

Each of the additional canopies was created conceptually as a fragment that expresses different moments in the movement of the sea. Together they complete a concept that will eventually merge the shopping centre design with its surroundings.

Structure and Precedent

The structural frame of the Carioca Wave canopy is self-supporting, without any columns or lateral supports. The challenge here was to combine this self-supporting ability with wide cantilevers to push technology to the limits. Indeed, this freeform gridshell is considered to be the first in South America.

Process:

The design approach included sculpture and design methods that were further developed using automotive industry tools and advanced parametric instruments to ensure tight control of the very particular and complex geometry.