Qixuan Hu

Abajo Fabric: Masterplan of Rio Abajo

The Abajo Fabric masterplan represents a comprehensive approach to harnessing the socio-natural potential of the Rio Abajo. This scheme seeks to address the existing challenges and transform the perceived "disused, polluted boundary" that currently separates the communities along the river. By strategically locating architectural interventions and creating destinations along the riverfront, the Fabric aims to bring the communities of Rio Abajo together, fostering connectivity and revitalization.

To enhance the infrastructure and circulation within the area, carefully designed loops have been introduced along the river, offering improved accessibility for both residents and visitors. Furthermore, the masterplan incorporates essential elements such as waste interceptors, water collection systems, and sanitary interventions. These interventions serve the dual purpose of maintaining the cleanliness and hygiene of the river water while also providing essential sanitary access for the surrounding favela communities.

Hyphen: An Experiment of Architectural Language

The incorporation of the prefabricated screens hanging from the original water tower showcases a multifunctional approach. It not only provides shelter from sunlight and rainfall but also establishes a circulation system for rainwater collection. The diverse platforms encourage residents to actively interact with rainwater, fostering a deeper connection with their environment.

Acting as a hyphen, the design of the water tower explores an adaptive architectural language for the subsequent project, unleashing the flexibility of the attached structures within the modular primary structure. It serves as a successful testification for future growth, expansion, and responsiveness to evolving needs.

Porous Structure

The structural design incorporates staggered facades, roofs, and floors, strategically arranged to facilitate the vertical movement of steam, wind, and moisture between the loosely assembled structures, ultimately permeating the exterior environment. The raised skin blocks direct sunlight while gently reflecting light into the gaps in the structure, creating an atmosphere of subtle illumination that permeates the interior with a soft and ambient glow. The interstitial space within the structure is intentionally conceived as nesting places for mountain creatures, providing a space where birds and small mammals can find refuge and create nests, forging a harmonious connection between the built environment and the surrounding natural habitat.

Penetrating Water

The adjustable openings serve as a regulating mechanism for water collection during the rainy season. By allowing controlled water ingress, the adjustable openings facilitate the collection and channeling of rainwater to portable water tanks. This strategic design feature promotes sustainable water management within the favela community, supporting various domestic or communal needs.

Stormy Night

The porous structure creates an experiential narrative responding to the intense rainfall in the rainy season. A storm night is demonstrated on your right: the sound of raindrops cascading through the openings and the play of light as it imbues the interior spaces with a sense of serenity and awe-inspiring beauty. The inhabitants of the favela, protected within this storm shelter, can witness and appreciate the power and majesty of nature while feeling secure and sheltered.

Speculative Shadow

Projective shadow is explored as an extension and supplement to the model entities in the physical model schemes in both years. It serves to flatten and overlap the spatial relationships of structural components, enhancing the visual understanding of the design. By casting shadows that interact with the model, it demonstrates the intricate interplay between form and light that cannot be replicated by digital drawing, adding depth and richness to the architectural representation.

Tracing Stains

Through the deliberate technique of rubbing oak veneers with graphite powder, the resulting texture acts as a sensorial trigger aimed at evoking phenomenological associations within the audience. This intentional tactile treatment invites viewers to recall the sound of raindrops on the corrugated roofs, the imprints left by the intense washout of rainfall, and the subtle discoloration of exposed surfaces caused by moisture.