Sustainable Ecocultural Center: The Sueli Pontes Eco-Museum by KAAN Architecten

Located in Niterói, Brazil, the Sueli Pontes Ecocultural Center, also known as the Eco-Museum, is a landmark project by KAAN Architecten. As part of the Orla Piratininga Park redevelopment, it stands as a beacon of sustainability, offering a comprehensive approach to ecological restoration, biodiversity, and community engagement. The project contributes significantly to the largest phytoremediation initiative in Latin America, utilizing nature-based solutions to restore water quality and the natural ecosystem.

The Vision Behind the Sueli Pontes Ecocultural Center

The Eco-Museum is strategically positioned within the Orla Piratininga Park to foster community participation in the long-term conservation of the Piratininga Lagoon. This initiative promotes both social inclusivity and environmental awareness, allowing residents, fishing communities, and environmental organizations to work together in preserving the lagoon’s natural habitats. With hiking trails, bike paths, and wildlife observatories, the Eco-Museum’s waterfront location enhances public interaction with nature, creating a bridge between the community and its ecological heritage.

The Ecological Masterplan and Water Management

One of the core aspects of the project is the introduction of 35,290m² of filtering gardens designed to intercept upstream pollution and restore the lagoon’s water cycles. These innovative wetlands use native plants to purify water while supporting local wildlife habitats. By carefully selecting species native to the Rio de Janeiro ecosystem, the project ensures an authentic ecological restoration that promotes biodiversity. The filtering gardens not only serve as a critical ecological function but also provide a space for visitors to experience the richness of wetlands, offering pathways that respect the sensitive environment.

Design Features of the Eco-Museum

The Eco-Museum is more than just an exhibition space; it’s an immersive educational environment. Designed with functionality and flexibility in mind, the museum is a hub for both environmental learning and community activities. Constructed predominantly with cumaru wood, a durable hardwood native to South America, the museum's design emphasizes a strong connection with the natural surroundings. The wood and glass façade allows the space to adapt to various configurations, providing both enclosed settings for presentations and open spaces for communal gatherings.

On the ground floor, visitors will find a restaurant, multifunctional spaces, kayak storage, and restrooms, while the mezzanine is dedicated to the main exhibition area. Interactive activities, a lagoon observatory, and a central office round out the museum's offerings. The open atrium at the center of the museum encourages public gatherings, presentations, and social interactions.

Sustainable Architecture and Environmental Integration

A key design feature of the Eco-Museum is its cantilevered roof, which not only creates a striking architectural presence but also helps modulate natural light within the building. The broad overhangs of the roof create an open, welcoming atmosphere, allowing the indoor spaces to merge seamlessly with the surrounding Atlantic Forest landscape. This design element strengthens the connection between architecture and nature, offering both shelter and comfort while reinforcing the museum’s role as a space for environmental education and community engagement.

The Role of the Eco-Museum in Social Inclusion

The Eco-Museum plays a critical role in the community beyond being an exhibition space. It serves as a platform for social inclusion and environmental education, particularly for local children. As Renata Gilio, architect and urban planner at KAAN Architecten, explains, the museum has become the heart of the neighborhood, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the ecological park. By educating young people about environmental awareness, the Eco-Museum helps foster a sense of responsibility toward the conservation of natural resources and the protection of biodiversity.

The Sueli Pontes Ecocultural Center, or Eco-Museum, is a forward-thinking sustainable project that combines architecture, environmental restoration, and community engagement. By integrating nature-based solutions and focusing on ecological education, KAAN Architecten has created a space that promotes sustainability, biodiversity, and social inclusivity. This project sets a new benchmark for how architecture can contribute to environmental restoration and community building, providing a model for future ecocultural centers around the world.

All Photographs are works of Sebastian van Damme