A new educational pavilion has opened as part of the exhibition "A River does not Exist Alone" at the Zoobotanical Park in Belém, Brazil. The 70-square-meter structure was designed by Estudio Flume, led by architects Noelia Monteiro and Christian Teshirogi, specifically to support the themes of the 30th UN Conference on Climate Change (COP 30). The pavilion serves as both an architectural statement and an educational space, demonstrating sustainable building practices in the Amazon region.
The exhibition itself is a collaborative project by the Tomie Ohtake Institute, curated by Sabrina Fontenele and Vânia Leal. The pavilion represents Estudio Flume's commitment to using architecture as a tool for social and environmental impact, emphasizing the importance of territorial awareness and sustainable design principles in one of the world's most ecologically significant regions.
The pavilion's design prioritizes flexibility and environmental responsibility through its modular construction system. The structure consists of independent, adaptable modules that can be arranged in various configurations to create both covered and open areas suitable for educational activities and social gatherings. This modular approach ensures simplified assembly, reduced environmental impact, and the possibility for future expansions or reconfigurations based on changing needs and usage patterns.
Local materials and traditional building techniques play a central role in the pavilion's construction. The structure features certified wood and ubuçu straw, materials chosen specifically for their thermal comfort properties and visual integration with the surrounding landscape. The laminated wood framework was designed to optimize resource use and minimize transportation requirements, incorporating lightweight yet precise columns, beams, and trusses that demonstrate efficient structural engineering.
The pavilion's roof design promotes natural ventilation and creates a dialogue between interior and exterior spaces. The permeable roofing system explores transitional zones that enhance social interaction and foster a sense of belonging among visitors. This design approach reflects the architects' understanding of tropical architecture principles and their commitment to creating comfortable spaces without relying on energy-intensive climate control systems.
Beyond its function as a shelter, the pavilion was conceived as a community meeting space that brings together visitors, educators, and local residents. During the exhibition period, it hosts educational programming and collaborative activities related to climate change awareness and environmental conservation. The architects envision the structure serving as a prototype for sustainable architecture in Amazonian contexts, demonstrating how simple, replicable, and low-impact buildings can be constructed in areas where access is challenging and every construction decision must have meaningful purpose.
The design process drew inspiration from the traditional canoes used by riverside communities in Belém and the Marajó region. This cultural reference influenced the architects' approach to bending wood, merging contemporary building techniques with traditional craftsmanship. To minimize transportation distances and honor the time invested in construction, the glued laminated wood components were produced on-site, allowing the material properties, local climate conditions, and construction processes to work together harmoniously.
The project represents an exercise in listening to and experimenting with the local environment, serving as a study in how to build responsively within a specific territory. By combining sustainable materials, modular design principles, and cultural sensitivity, the educational pavilion demonstrates how contemporary architecture can address urgent environmental issues while respecting and celebrating local traditions and ecological conditions.
