Going for Gold

Rio de Janeiro aims for first place in sustainable urban development

After executing the United Nation's Earth Summit in 1992, Rio de Janeiro will once again aspire to set precedence in 2016, by hosting the first zero-carbon footprint Olympic Games. Solar City Tower is the first project to be considered as contender for the official architectural structure of the Olympic Games, due to begin construction this year. Swiss architect Rafael Schmidt of RAFAA chose to reconsider the classic concept of a landmark form and instead, he designed a solution for the imminent post-oil era.

Located on Cotunduba Island, the structure will stand 105 meters tall. Solar-powered engines will pump seawater into the top of the tower during the day, then release the water and spin turbines to generate hydro-electricity at night. Plans are intended for the city and Olympic village to utilize the produced energy. Solar City Tower will be accessible to the public through a plaza located at 60 meters above sea level, featuring an amphitheater and its main entrance on the ground floor. Several on-site visitor attractions will showcase the iconic view, including bungee jumping and a glass sky walk.