Praça Beco do Tesouro

An existing parking lot in downtown Rio de Janeiro was re-designed to prioritize pedestrian access. The proposed solution includes an automated robotic car tower and a dynamic mixed-use retail complex at both ends of the plaza. A poured-in-place concrete shell creates a platform that elevates pedestrians to a vibrant, grass-filled plaza above. Below this shell, street vendors and outdoor cafes thrive, enhancing the community’s social fabric. This design effectively utilizes the curves in the x, y, and z coordinates, resulting in a bold three-dimensional transformation that frees up essential public space. The plastic, malleable forms have an engaging, taffy-like quality that invites exploration. These playful shapes enhance the visual appeal and actively foster social interaction within the space. The goal is to create public park activity by offering a multi-level solution that socially engages the public through urban design.