Mangroves form an incredibly complex ecosystem. Due to saline soil and tidal variations. The typical mangrove vegetation has evolved to adapt to these environmental conditions. It has pneumatophorous roots capable of carrying out gas exchanges with air compensation for the deficiency of soil nutrients. This coastal biome, between sea and land, functions as a nursery for local species, as playing a fundamental role in protecting against erosion. A collaborative ecosystem between numerous species,...
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Mangroves form an incredibly complex ecosystem. Due to saline soil and tidal variations. The typical mangrove vegetation has evolved to adapt to these environmental conditions. It has pneumatophorous roots capable of carrying out gas exchanges with air compensation for the deficiency of soil nutrients. This coastal biome, between sea and land, functions as a nursery for local species, as playing a fundamental role in protecting against erosion. A collaborative ecosystem between numerous species, high technology by nature!
The city of Paraty, in Rio de Janeiro, is located in a privileged area where the river meets the sea. On one side, the Atlantic Forest vegetation is exuberantly rich in fauna and flora, on the other, a complex of beaches and mangroves. The region's biodiversity also has cultural and symbolic significance for the local population: unity, resilience and collectivity. The complex system of mangrove vegetation provides life for local animals, while helping to maintain environmental conditions for vegetation.
The connection between nature and culture and the concern to bring the environmental issue closer to people, led us to create a light and delicate architectural intervention, which materializes in a circular walkway over the mangrove, increasing the height exponentially and by so creating an educational landscape walkway.
The ELO footbridge is a suspended element inspired by the structural intelligence of the mangrove. From the biomimetic observation of the mangrove organisation, we designed the pillars and the guardrail structure. It thus integrates itself organically with the mangrove landscape and unfolds on a route that crosses the local vegetation, the river, the beach, the sea and the city. The walkway creates a new tourist point of view of the historic city, valuing and promoting unprecedented perspectives of Paraty.
The experience and integration of ELO footbridge with the city will be completed by an Augmented Reality application for mobile devices. In addition to showing real-time educational and useful information (historical, natural, cultural programming and schedules) from the context of the mangrove and the historic city, it could also be implemented with institutional and commercial contents in interest of the city of Paraty.
ELO Footbridge concept project by: Atelier Marko Brajovic
Integral ecological urbanism project by: QF Architecture
Project status: presented to Paraty cityhall
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