The old Marina da Glória has a prominent place in the history and culture of Rio de Janeiro because of its location as the traditional gateway to Rio by sea and air, and because of its proximity to the Roberto Burle Marx Park and Oscar Niemeyer’s War Memorial. Years of neglect and poor maintenance had caused this jewel along Rio’s waterfront to fall into disrepair, so Huitt-Zollars' Rio de Janeiro office was asked to program and provide a concept design for the renovation of this complex.
In addition to an upgrade and expansion of the marina’s yacht slips, the design for this project will include a new exposition center and a new waterside destination consisting of a tourist boat dock, retail, dining and an entertainment district. The new exposition center will consist of approximately 64,000 SM of conference, exhibit & convention facilities on two levels. A service level below and behind the exposition and entertainment district allows for service and service circulation to be maintained separately from the guest/ public areas.
The design of the new Marina da Gloria features extensive use of glass in the public circulation and pre-function areas of the exposition center to take advantage of the ocean views. The roof structure is designed as a waveform that is brightly lit by color and pattern shifting LED lights. This design not only reflects the ocean waves, but also the music and dance that is so much a part of the culture of Rio.