Halo, the new futuristic elevator that will land in Vigo.
Vigo has just taken the lead in the latest in architecture . It all started with a contest that, at first, appeared to be merely functional. The objective? Get a pedestrian connection between the area of García Barbón and Vía Norte . What seemed like a simple procedure to make life easier for the inhabitants has ended up becoming Halo, a project that, more than a structure, is a work of art.
The jury made a unanimous decision on the proposal, presented by Arenas&Asociados, in collaboration with AM2 Arquitectos from Vigo and the Portuguese studio NOARQ . And it is that Halo has more than fulfilled all the bases: is an elevator (or rather, two) and a link point , but it is also a building that promises to revolutionize the panorama of Vigo, both for its inhabitants and for its visitors.
Your identity is framed within the project "Vigo Vertical" and aims to resolve one of the most urgent issues: linking the streets Serafín Avendaño at the height of García Barbón, and Vía Norte in the Vigo City Hall. And in this way, make citizen mobility more fluid for commerce and leisure , aspects in which the new Vialia shopping center takes on a leading role.
RETURN TO THE FUTURE
However, Halo has come with many more intentions. As its name indicates, it will become a halo of light for the city, especially at night , clearing the horizon from that ring shape that makes it seem like it came straight from the future. The same way, its impeccable white color and its sober and clean lines will be in charge of illuminating during the day and harmonize with the environment.
As we previously announced, it will be exclusively pedestrian, it is a gift to the citizens. At 6 meters wide, it becomes a rug which will allow to take different directions: to the right, towards the area closest to Urzáiz street; to the left, towards Via Norte . In this game of catwalks it is precisely where its greatest utility is concentrated.
It will not only be a connection point, but one of the best viewpoints in the city.
The objective is that, in times of heavy traffic, such as the well-known Christmas, each of the aisles play a single direction and do not interrupt the pedestrian flow. Still, even thinking about the current circumstances, they have devised it in such a way that safety distances can be maintained required.
In Halo, they have designed everything in a big way. If there are two walkways,** there are also two elevators, the aim of which is to reduce waiting time and minimize crowds** at rush hour. And, how could it be otherwise, it is at this moment when sustainability intervenes . Inside the main tower, they will stay 4 wind turbines that will allow the elevators to function as self-sufficient elements thanks to the wind speed generated by the proximity of the highway.
MORE THAN AN ELEVATOR
The really good thing about Halo is that you don't have to go anywhere to visit it. The ring has a covered area , to maintain the privacy of the houses that are at this height, and another in the open air. The latter will become one of the best viewpoints from the city. The landscape will be spectacular views of the Ría de Vigo.
Aesthetics has played a very important role when planning the project. That is why the white color and materials such as glass have been the protagonists , with the clear motivation of turning it into a contemporary sculpture, but also minimalist. The elevated walkways will decorated with latticework and, next to these, the circular shape will allow a play of light and shadow as the day progresses.
Halo is a strong candidate to become a must see.
Halo is much more than a catwalk , bridge or connection point. When it is installed, it will go directly to the list of obligatory visits in the getaways to Vigo. Its construction is scheduled for two years. . If everything goes smoothly, we will not have to wait long to see this Halo in a city that every day looks more towards the future.