Riosphere

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Riosphere

Type

Commercial ›
Hospitality + Sport ›
Cultural › Hall/Theater Cultural Center

RIOSPHERE is an iconic landscape that perfectly suits Rio de Janeiro, a city defined by its setting. While Sugarloaf and Corcovado (the city’s current icons) soar above the urban valley, RIOSPHERE opens its shallow bowl on the island of Cotunduba, becoming the perfect complement to these skyward-reaching objects. RIOSPHERE occupies the undefined zone between heaven and sea; it is an iconic form that provides a new plane of play for the city and its visitors. The Eiffel Tower, the Empire State Building, Petronas Towers, Burj Dubai; the world is awash in towers, but the public has grown weary and height has become commonplace. RIOSPHERE is the alternative. Its iconic circular form is pressed into the hillside of Cotunduba to be viewed from the beaches, mountains and the sky. Likewise, the amazing views back to the city are the perfect backdrop for concerts and games. Carved out of the island’s rock, RIOSPHERE is a giant bowl that is tilted towards the city to see and be seen by the mainland. The programmatic forms within the bowl are inspired by the starry sky of the Brazilian flag. An intimate seating area, an observatory, a ballroom, soaking tubs and sporting venues dot the landscape and can be reached through a network of articulated pathways that define the unique aesthetic of the bowl. Sheltered underneath the RIOSPHERE’s span are the indoor and administrative programs. These spaces, sandwiched between the underside of the sphere and the mountainside, refer back to the city and the adjacent landscape. The circular shape of RIOSHPEHRE provides a spectacular Observation Loop with views of the city, the sea, Cotunduba and around to the RIOSPHERE itself. If visitors want a real treat they can board the 35-passenger Helium Observation Balloon. The Balloon soars 200m above the bay for unparalleled 360 degree views of the area. RIOSPHERE is a destination that can host a full day of activities. The whole family can come to enjoy the sports, the view, and the sun. They can watch performances, rent a soaking tub, take a ride in the Observation Balloon and watch their neighbors cavort in the fantastical landscape. When they are done they can take the long curvy slide down to the jetty where ferries make scheduled trips to the city.