Iconic Christmas Square by zerOgroup and Unique in Brazil

December 01, 2009 Category: Cultural, Public Buildings

The Iconic Christmas Square was designed by zerOgroup, an international and multi-disciplinary firm, collaborated with Unique, a Brazilian architecture practice based in Manaus to win Brazil national competition for the design in Natal. The official ceremony will take place in Natal on June 9th, 2009 and zerOgroup + Unique expect the project to be completed by the end of this year. The competition objective, which was organized with the support of the Brazilian Institute of Architects and Rio Grande do Norte Department, was to develop a specific area of the city as a tourism attraction feature.

The existing square site is primarily used to display the world’s tallest Christmas tree (125-160 m). Currently, over one third of the site is inaccessible while the tree is on display. zerOgroup + Unique’s proposal aims to ensure that the whole place is open all year. An icon of new structure for the city will be implemented in the square that will support the big tree and create a new public space to attract visitors.

In the middle of the square, curved zerOgroup + Unique’s curved support allows maximum use of public space. Its skin dematerialized to minimize the effects of the monumental structure on the immediate area. As the structure withdraw gradually from the ground, a condition in space is created around the base of the project. This circular area shaded link all social functions and recreational public space, such as handicraft markets, restaurants, bar, fountains, benches, and a stage for events.

Iconic Christmas Square as worlds tallest Christmas tree