Amazon built a square on water; Architecture in the privacy of tides

In the heart of the Amazon, a public square has been born that literally breathes with the tides. This amazing structure, which is called “AquaPraça”, was unveiled at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belém, Brazil. This 400 square meter floating platform is not only a showpiece for international meetings; Rather, it is supposed to remain as a permanent cultural center, right where it is, and become a part of everyday life in the Amazon. (Yanko Design)

Photographer: Unknown / Yanko Design

The Aquaprasa project is an intelligent response to a world where water levels can no longer be predicted. Anchored in the Gulf of Guajará, this structure adapts to the daily fluctuations of the water, which sometimes change by up to four meters, using Archimedes’ simple principle. The platform gently rises and falls with the water, allowing visitors to experience the natural rhythm of the river up close.

Photographer: Unknown / Yanko Design

The journey of the Aquaprasa project is almost as interesting as the structure itself. The prototype was first unveiled in September 2024 at the Venice Architecture Conference and then traveled to Belem to serve as part of Italy‘s pavilion at COP30. After the end of the conference, Italy will donate this platform to Brazil to become a social space for continuous dialogue about climate, culture and creative industries.

What makes aquaprasa so impressive is the way it transforms the abstract concept of “climate change” into a tangible, physical experience. The sloping surfaces and variable levels of the platform, which instantly react to the movement of the water, present a delicate balance. This structure is a platform for better understanding of sea level rise and its effects on coastal communities around the world.

Photographer: Unknown / Yanko Design

To what extent do you think such projects can be effective in raising public awareness of the climate crisis? Share your opinion with us and other Kojaro users.

Cover photo source: Yanko Design Photographer: Unknown