This futuristic skyscraper aims to provide sustainable housing while restoring the biodiversity lost during large forest fires that swept through south-central Chile in the last couple of years. Architect Claudio C. Araya Arias designed Waria Lemuy — the Fire Prevention Skyscraper — using a modular system that can grow incrementally and lessen the impact of future catastrophes.
The project won third place in this year’s eVolo Skyscraper Competition, which calls for innovative proposals that push the envelope of architectural design. Claudio C. Araya Arias’ project addresses two current issues in the south-central zone of Chile: devastation caused by forest fires and damage from unsustainable settlement models, like growth by expansion.
The proposal is an innovative approach for humans to live sustainably in the area. The project addresses the recovery of lost housing and infrastructure and focuses on adding to biodiversity restoration efforts. The structure is located on the perimeter of the impacted area and allows space for incorporating new routes, public areas and wetlands.
The base of the modular system is embedded in the ground and relies on a combination of wood and metal elements for structural support. The incremental way of building the structure makes it possible to add panoramic terraces, living units of different sizes, interior courtyards and common areas. It also includes enclosures that act as rainwater collectors.