AquaPraça Floating Plaza by CRA-Carlo Ratti Associati and Höweler + Yoon Architecture emerges as a defining landmark at COP30 in Belém, Brazil. Debuted first in Venice during the 2025 Biennale Architettura, the project now anchors the Italian Pavilion at the UN Climate Change Conference. The floating cultural plaza was realized through a broad international collaboration, including the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation, CIHEAM Bari, and the World Bank Group’s Connect4Climate program, with naming support from BF International (BF S.p.A. Group), Bloomberg Philanthropies, Costa Crociere, ENEL, and Gruppo Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane. Construction was carried out by Cimolai, a leading Italian steel fabrication company. After COP30, Italy will gift AquaPraça to Brazil to serve as a community space that promotes climate engagement, cultural strategy, and the creative industries in partnership with the State of Pará.
Project details
- Area: approximately 400 m²
- Nature: floating plaza dedicated to culture and public engagement
Context and impact
AquaPraça encapsulates a forward-looking vision for how temporary or portable urban amenities can transform waterfronts into vibrant social hubs. By leveraging modular, floating infrastructure, the project adapts to changing water levels and urban rhythms while offering a platform for climate dialogue, artistic programming, and community participation. The collaboration brings together design, policy, and financing networks to demonstrate a scalable model for climate-aware public spaces.
Notes for readers
- The project connects Venice’s architectural discourse with COP30’s climate agenda, illustrating how design can bridge culture and environmental action.
- Its post-conference donation to Pará signals a long-term community asset intended to spark local engagement around climate, culture, and creative industries.
Would you agree that floating urban interventions like AquaPraça represent a practical path toward integrating climate resilience with cultural life in coastal cities, or do you see potential downsides that should be addressed in future iterations? Share your thoughts in the comments.
