Urban Reflections

Valdivia, Chile
Competition Entry 2012

There is great potential for Valdivia’s river promenade to become a unique urban infrastructure—the natural beauty of the Calle Calle river, plenty of space for a variety of leisure activities, immediate connections to the city center and varied views over flora and fauna. Its current condition does not take advantage of these opportunities, so our design sought to knit together the city center and the river, and to re-establish the experience of the natural rhythms of the river tide. „Reflections“ of existing urban infrastructures on the river: this design focuses on the variety of urban spaces and public infrastructures along the water line. Their current lopsided focus toward the landside is countered by architecturally „reflecting“ them onto the water. As a result, more and more urban activities can extend onto the river. „Topography of Tides“: due to Rio Calle Calle’s proximity to the ocean, it is characterized by a strong tidal rhythmicity, with the water level changing up to 1.9 m during the course of a day. We suggested the possibility of unearthing the experience of the natural rhythm of the river. The promenade is topographically varied, allowing parts to be flooded during high water. The tidal rhythm dissolves the hard line between city and water.