As the wind blows..
Silos Buenos Aires, Terraviva Competitions 2022
Location: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Status: Submitted Proposal
From the brief: Silos Buenos Aires: Architecture Competition | The monumental structure of the Silos, located in Buenos Aires on the Eastern side of Puerto Madero, is one of the few port constructions that persist in the neighbourhood and the only one that has not yet been recovered. Its condition of “Industrial Ruin” gives it a sort of special charm, completely different from that of the newest constructions around it. The state of deep degradation, which strongly clashes with a context of glass buildings, seems like a kind of desperate call for attention not to forget its existence. The main dilemma lies in defining what kind of intervention would be able to give a new life to a structure that could no longer resume its original function. What program would suitably adapt to such a particular building? Undoubtedly, the conservation of this colossal artifact requires a singular sensitivity, capable of valuing its most important characteristics with an innovative approach. This ideas competition, addressed to architects, designers and creatives from all over the world, aims to imagine the rehabilitation of the Silos in a creative and unprecedented way. The main purpose is to revitalize them through original concepts, capable of revaluing both the interior spaces and their image towards the city.
Silos Buenos Aires encourages participants to think out of the box and to experiment with provocative ideas, without any fear of revolutionizing the current state of the abandoned complex.
Synopsis: The growth of Buenos Aires facilitated by the creation of a quasi-private corporation (CAPMSA), has resulted in a scale of growth that is at odds with neighbouring city areas. The competition led, winning masterplan for Puerto Madero prioritizes meaningful open space being both accessible and congruent with the needs of the locals for relaxation, protest, congregation, while catering to a wide range of social classes. Furthermore, naming areas after influential Argentine women maps a social construct upon the physical reality. While the Western bank has retained a lot of the original warehouses, early demolition and pressure from real estate have reframed the landscape of the Eastern bank as one that overpowers the heritage vision.
The resulting interplay between the global and local fabric can be reframed from a condition of opposition to one of a hybridized, unified identity of the place.
The design acts as an urban insert linking the waterfront to the skatepark via landscaped pavilions. The circular structure of the existing silos is used as the base concept for redesigning the waterfront area of the site with an open plaza, accommodating pedestrian, bicycle routes, seating area/rest spots for tourists and locals. Light steel and fabric modules soften the harsh concrete of the original structure without overwhelming the building silhouette. The program suggests display spaces for the national agricultural innovations, it’s port based historicity and dedicated spaces for women to empower themselves through workshops and education.
As such, the design welcomes the original narrative of the masterplan.
The aerial view maps the vehicular roads, bicycle paths, Hop-on hop-off Tour and the Women’s Tour through the city, showcasing the site as an integral new addition to the cityscape from a cultural as well as historical perspective. The design acts as an urban insert linking the waterfront to the ‘Parque Mujeres Argentinas’ via landscaped pavilions. There is also a direct visual and physical link from the site, across the ‘Puente de la Mujer’ to the ‘Museo A.R.A Presidente Sarmento’, ‘Museo Corbeta A.R.A Uruguay’ and the ‘Casa Rosada’. Bicycle and pedestrian routes run through the plaza and link to the various existing networks while the plaza acts as a rest spot for tourists and locals alike.
View from Olga Cossetini road, North side
View from Olga Cossetini road, North side
View from across the waterfront on Juana Manuela Gorriti road
PLAZA, a hybridized-unified identity
The circular structure of the existing silos is used as the base graphic for designing the plaza. With its regular pattern of packed circles, it creates a sense of order and hierarchy. The modular elements take inspiration from the form and program of a typical plaza visualized in a contemporary context. Soft patterns, pastel and natural tones, fresh water sprays and light weight steel-fabric modules adorn the plaza. Tensile Pavilions for farmer markets and pop-ups supporting local businesses.
EXTERIOR VIEWS
Balcony view looking out toward the waterfront at 'Puente de la Mujer' and 'Casa Rosada'
Balcony view looking out toward the waterfront at 'Puente de la Mujer' and 'Casa Rosada'
Balcony view looking out toward the waterfront at 'Puente de la Mujer' and 'Casa Rosada'
Information kiosk and ATM
Plaza
Plaza
Plaza
Plaza
Market Place
Market Place
Market Place
Market Place
Market Place
Dancing Plaza
Skating Rink
SECTION PERSPECTIVE
LA PISCINA (THE POOL)
Peering through the cold water sprays and scented steam, the neon infographics bordering ocean blue, glowing pools stand out. Each orb encapsulates a little portion of the local marine life. Interspersed are pearl-coated, shell like saunas with ice-cold dip wells below. A walk away are warm water pools with glowing pattern lines, akin to sunlight shimmering on the water surface. Holographic fish and friends frolic amidst these spaces lending a surreal twist to the fog ridden space.
LA INTERSECCION (THE INTERSECTION)
As the name suggests, one comes across this almost street-like intersection, a place for informal or formal congregation, impromptu dramedy or musical performances. Each person is at once, an onlooker and performer in this ongoing enactment.
LA MUJER FUERTE (THE STRONG WOMAN)
Workshop and classroom spaces dedicated to women enabling small groups with more individualized attention. Suspended in an open void, these transparent modules show off the intensity of activity and intellectual engagement to spectators around.
EL DESEMPINO (THE PERFORMANCE)
Soft gradient lights and music adorn this hall. Performances range from women led productions to the latest agricultural and fisheries, technological innovations. Circular hydraulic elevators shuttle the performers from the green rooms below to the stage above.
