SITE OPPORTUNITIES

PROMOTING ECO - AWARENESS

A unique microclimate created by the high moisture levels within the craters provide ideal habitats for endemic vegetation which grow in dense formations rarely found at higher altitudes. Encouraging accessible human/nature interfaces will boost awareness of Azorean nature and serve valuable educational functions

Facilitating Tourism

Furna de Frei Matias lies between Madalena and Pico, placing it in an important postition for the majority of tourists who travel to the island to climb the mountain.

Cultivating Community

This project provides new leisure spaces for the local population to enjoy while promiting a strong sense ownership and pride through community involvement in certain aspects of the design.

Protecting Delicate Systems

The cinder cones contain various endemic species and dense carpets of delicate mosses and ferns. Creating a new and non-intrusive paths will promote exploration without compromising plants and habitats within.

MASTERPLAN 1:500

Legend

1. BASALT MONOLITH

2. BASALT COLUMN SEATING

3.LAVA TUBE SCULPTURE

Three primary stone features are proposed in this project and are situated around the volcanic cones of the site on grassland.

These stone structures, constructed from locally quarried basalt, are designed with the purpose of inspiring curioisty into visitors, encouraging them to approach each structure, and by doing so, experiencing the volcanos from different angles and perspectives. The designs of the three basalt structures follow geometric patterns found in the azores and nature and combine modern artificial, and natural aesthetics by combining stone work, with sharp geometric designs.