Torre Mata Atlântica is a prime example of green architecture (and a biophilic one!) within the Cidade Matarazzo complex in São Paulo, Brazil. More than just a mixed-use development, this tower displays living facades that bring the essence of the Atlantic Forest into the city's urbanity. The building is wrapped in greenery and offers an environmentally conscious approach to modern design.
Nature on Every Level in the Layers of Torre Mata Atlântica
With leafy facades that evolve with the seasons, Torre Mata Atlântica renames how architecture can coexist with the natural world, transforming the city skyline into a more nature-integrated space to inhabit.
Created by Ateliers Jean Nouvel, an important premise guided the landscape architecture of the Cidade Matarazzo complex. It should play as prominent a role as the buildings themselves. Consequently, its purpose was to bring order to the chaotic site, which consisted of various types of buildings—some dating from the early 20th century and others being new constructions. Throughout the complex, vegetation fills the voids within the interplay of volumes. In this context emerged the concept of Torre Mata Atlântica, featuring large stepped terraces decorated with trees that bring to mind the green slopes of Serra do Mar.
Sculpting the Wild - The Botanical Vision of Torre Mata Atlântica
A thick wood in the front yard safeguards the residents' privacy and conceals the building's large bulk from pedestrians. On the 10th, 16th, and 21st floors of the building, where the largest terraces are located, huge raised planters were established. The whole area on the 27th floor is a garden. Moreover, the building's entire volume is interspersed with greenery, as medium planters and large vases adorn the apartment balconies. This results in a structure that is mutable and whose character is difficult to predict.
Planting trees on skyscrapers has been a trend explored by architecture in the last decade, both for its aesthetic appeal and environmental symbolism. However, this type of situation always involves a series of increased risks, in relation to root control, falling branches or the tree itself. And, in the case of a tower over a hundred meters high and with mature trees, these risks are even greater. Then, to enable the implementation of the project with an acceptable level of security, it was necessary to conduct in-depth risk studies and the development of solutions to minimize them.
The trees were selected based on their wind resistance, which was a crucial factor. For this purpose, computational models of various native species were developed. In conditions of extreme winds, the simulation considered the wood's resistance, the typical arrangement of branches, and the usual shape of the crown and foliage. The species were placed in the building based on their characteristics after being assessed and approved.
Architecture based on natural plants? It's a worldwide approval for sure.
Photos by Eduardo Castello, Eduardo Ikoma, and Maíra Acayaba.
