Solar City Tower Concept by RAFAA Architecture & Design

on 29/8/10

The Solar City Tower Concept is not only an ambitious project, but visually stunning too. Developed by the Swiss architects RAFAA this amazing concept is part of an array of competition submissions for the 2016 Olmpics to be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Where Shanghaii had the iconic 'Bird's Nest' Stadium, and London has gone for mixing heritage & tradition with the new, RAFAA have created a futuristic focal point for this celebratory showcase for Brazil the latest winners of the chance to host the Olympic Games.

Solar City Tower Concept Competition in Rio de Janeiro cool finds _{Solar City Tower Concept by RAFAA}

This concept is being seen as a chance to steer this new architectural project away from our fossil fuel past into a new futuristic era, one that addresses & symbolises the real move towards green energies and can even provide a zero carbon footprint Olympic Games. Facing up to the challenges we are faced, the concept embraces the challenge, & provides architecture of substance as a result.

For their competition entry, RAFAA wanted to locate their 'Solar Tower' on the Cotonduba Island, which is the central approach for all aircraft travelling to Rio de Janeiro so that it would act as an initial 'welcoming symbol' to visitors to the Olympic Games. The 'Solar Tower' itself acts as an impressive observation point where those that reach the top will feel as if they can just about touch the wings of the airplanes flying overhead, as the structure is so high it seems to emerge from the clouds.

Solar City Tower Concept Competition in Rio de Janeiro cool finds _{Solar City Tower Concept by RAFAA}

The clever part about this concept is that not only is it a stunning piece of architecture, but it also acts as a solar power plant that would supply the nearby Olympic village. The tower collects the solar energy during the day from the heat of the Brazilian sun with excess energy being used to pump seawater into the tower. At night the water in the tower acts a hydro-powered station to ensure there is enough electricity & energy for the night.

_{Solar City Tower Concept by RAFAA}

This 'urban waterfall' reflects an 'impressive wonder of nature' where the forces of nature are harnessed & celebrated. Like the 'Christ the Redeemer' statue that has, since its construction in the 1920's, become an iconic landmark of Rio de Janeiro, so too may this more futuristic structure come to symbolise a new era & be synonymous with Brazil.

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