Rio 2016: shooting events during the 2016 Olympic Games will take place at this timber and concrete complex in north-west Rio by Brazilian studio BCMF Arquitetos (+ slideshow).
Located in Rio's Deodoro zone, the National Shooting Centre was completed by BCMF Arquitetos for the 2007 Pan-American Games, alongside nearby facilities for archery, hockey, equestrian and modern pentathlon events. Since then it has been used as a regular training centre for the Brazilian Shooting Federation and the Brazilian military.
The building occupies a 15-hectare site, sandwiched between the motorway and a cluster of mountain peaks, and stretches east to west across its site to create a series of indoor and outdoor facilities for training and competitions.
"The project deals with the complex issues of a unique suburban context comprising a military district, a densely populated favela, a dilapidated industrial area, as well as a large expanse of native vegetation," said architect Bruno Campos.
Grids of wooden baffles extend from the sides of the buildings to protect the shooting range from stray bullets and are surrounded by exposed concrete enclosures.
Indoor shooting areas are lined with glazing along the rear, allowing views in from the connecting corridors.
"Few materials, strong horizontal lines and an enigmatic grid of wooden baffles predominate in this stark venue," said Campos.
Before the games commence in 2016, the architects will make several minor adjustments to the complex to bring it in line with Olympic standards. These include adding a temporary seating area to increase spectator capacity, improving security measures, and adapting signage and logistics.
BCMF Arquitetos has also recently renovated the 1960s Mineirão Stadium in Belo Horizonte, which is set to host matches during the 2014 FIFA World Cup. See more architecture in Brazil »
Main photography is by Leonardo Finotti, aerial views are by Kaká Ramalho.
Here's some more information from BCMF Arquitetos:
National Shooting Centre
The Deodoro Sports Complex was designed for the Rio 2007 Pan-American Games, including in the same cluster the Shooting, Equestrian, Archery, Hockey and Modern Pentathlon facilities. All venues already meet international standards, and need just minor adjustments and complements for the Rio 2016 Olympics. The cluster is already a world-class legacy, which has successfully triggered the renewal and further development of important suburban region.
The Shooting Centre has approximately 50.000m2 of built area, landscaped on a 150.000m2 site along one of the most important access vectors of the city (a hybrid of avenue and motorway). The project deals with the complex issues of a unique suburban context comprising of a military neighbourhood, a densely populated favela, a rough industrial area and a vast wild landscape all mixed together. Few materials, strong horizontal lines and an enigmatic grid of wooden baffles predominate in this stark venue located on a trapezoidal plot in a breathtaking valley surrounded by mountain peaks.
Architects: BCMF Arquitetos / Bruno Campos, Marcelo Fontes and Silvio Todeschi
Location: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Project Team: Cláudio Parreiras Reis, Luciana Maciel, Lisiane Melo, Leonardo Fávero, Cristiano Monte-Mór, Ana Kawakami, Fabiana Fortes e Antônio Valadares
Program: Shooting, Equestrian, Hockey, Archery and Modern Pentathlon venues
Project management and General Coordination: Engesolo Engenharia Ltda
Structure: Helio Chumbinho (Misa Engenharia)/ Lino Nunes de Castro (Globsteel)
MEP: ENIT (Moshe Gruberger)
Sports Consultant: Aqualar (Swimming Pool), Forbex (Grass Hockey) and Eduardo Castro Mello
Overlay: John Baker (EKS) & CO-Rio 2007 Team (Gustavo Nascimento, Ana Paula Loreto & Izabela Hasek)
Lighting: Godoy Associados
Contractor: Construções e Comércio Camargo Corrêa (CCCC)
