Grand Copacabana Mixed Use Bulding by Alberto Torres Is Granted the Silver A' Design Award in Architecture, Building and Structure Design

The Work

Project

Grand Copacabana Mixed Use Bulding

Function

Mixed Use Bulding

Category

Architecture, Building and Structure Design

Discipline

Spatial Design

Industry

Architecture

Colors

Light Blue, Dark Olive Green, Dark Slate Gray, Cornflower Blue and Dim Gray

Images

5

Client

Montebello Construtora

The Recognition

Laureate

Alberto Torres

Country

Brazil

Recognition

Silver A' Design Award

Edition

2022 - 2023

Design ID

#151405

Credits

Team

Torres Arquitetos, Sabrina Barros and Montebello Construtora

Design Details

Unique Properties

The Grand Copacabana project was developed from the search for dialogue between architecture and the city, focusing on the integration between city and user. The result was a mixed-use building in which the commercial part does not clearly distinguish between private and public areas, making the building an extension of the sidewalk. The apartments, on the other hand, have large balconies that act as large frames for the outside, providing a privileged view of the city

Inspiration

Named after the old hotel that occupied the site, the Grand Copacabana is a building in which we sought to design an architecture that would be kind to the city, seeking not to obviously distinguish private areas from public areas. The groundfloor seeks to be an extension of Avenida Benjamim Constant, one of the busiest in the city, for this reason the stores open completely onto the street and are set back from the sidewalk, thus creating a large mall.

Research

The project started with a deep analysis of the site conditions such as solar orientation, interesting visuals and understanding of the character of the region. Then, we went after architectural references that would convey the same feeling we wanted to pass on: of a sober building, but comfortable and pleasant for users

Challenge

The challenge of this project was to seek an architecture that could combine the needs of the constructor with what the city needed. For this, we sought to explore as much as possible what the lsite had to offer. The ground floor seeks to be an extension of the sidewalk, creating ample spaces for shops and pedestrians, making the development pleasant for its users. The deep understanding of the master plan of the city of Torres was also fundamental to develop a building that worked and also respected the city

Realization and Technology

For the project, we opted for techniques, technologies and materials common to the coastal region of the state of Rio Grande do Sul. The structural system of reinforced concrete was used, sealing masonry walls and external tiles. In terms of materiality, it was decided to use only two external coatings. The external frames are made of white tiles, while the body of the building, which is framed, is covered with black tiles, creating a great contrast, increasing the sense of depth of the balconies. The ground floor is characterized by the Portuguese stone pavement, reminiscent of Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro.

Operation and Interaction

The volumetry of the building is marked by white frames that slide along the facade, which at the same time serve to protect, but also to manifest the interior, giving the feeling of a core covered by an armor. The frames are arranged horizontally, enhancing this sense to reduce the sensation of height provided by the nineteen floors. The commercial base is covered with wooden slats and also set back from the volume of the building, thus providing a large sidewalk space for the city and ensuring better flow along the commercial areas

Project Duration and Location

The project is located in the coastal city of Torres, in the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul. The project is currently under construction

Specifications

The project consists in a building for residential and commercial use with a total of 11,556.99m², divided into nineteen floors. The ground floor facing one of the main commercial avenues in the city of Torres, has a large setback in relation to the alignment of the site, thus creating a large mall avenue for stores, providing a great integration between the building and the sidewalk. From the 5th floor onwards, the development's apartments are located. Each floor is made up of four units, two of them with tree suites and two with two suites. The social area of ​​the units is marked by the living rooms that open onto the large balconies facing the sea, present in all apartments.

Keywords

Torres Arquitetos, Montebello, Grand Copacabana, Brazil, Torres