BRIEF
It‘s hard to imagine a world without chocolate. But if current behaviors continue, cacao trees (Theobroma cacao) – the source of cacao and, ultimately, chocolate – could be extinct by mid-century. This is because cocoa, and the agricultural system that sustains it, face both human and natural threats that can be existential.
The problem is not straightforward, and like all global problems, there is no single solution. There are many factors involved, but one of the facts that usually change the world is knowledge.
CASA AMATLLER
A Unique House Full of Symbolism.
The building was originally constructed in 1875.
Casa Amatller was redesigned in 1900 by architect Josep Puig i Cadafalch for the chocolatier and art enthusiast Antoni Amatller. The first period of the architect career is modernist, and the building façade have ornaments inspired by nature. You can find elements of the cocoa fauna and flora on details of the house since the Amatller family is the founder of Chocolate Amatller, founded in 1800, and one of the most well-renowned chocolate brands in Europe. The house is located in a touristic spot of Barcelona, Passeig de Gràcia and is a part of the “block of discord“, next to casa Batló.
COCOA
THEOBROMA – FOOD OF THE GODS
HEALTH BENEFITS OF COCOA
Many people think of chocolate, the main product obtained from cocoa, as a great villain, being closely related to weight gain. However, what many do not know is that cocoa has a number of benefits for our health. Among the benefits of cocoa, we can mention its antioxidant, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective capacity. With regard to cardioprotective function, cocoa stands out for having substances that decrease platelet aggregation, therefore reducing clot formation.”
Therefor, for the visitors circulate inside the project, they will be placed into situations that amplifies the effects of Cocoa in the human body.
POLLINATION
About two-thirds of crops used for human food require insect pollination.
With cocoa, the percentage of pollinated flowers is 2%. The problem is related to the pesticides used on the plantations. But if we control the environment and add pollinator drones, we could improve tree production and reduce the area of ??plantations and release the pressure on pollinators who can now live as living creatures of nature and not slaves of our food production system.
COCOA TREE PARAMETERS
COCOA / CHOCOLATE TRADITIONAL PROCESS
PROBLEMS
Metabolic Diagram
STATEMENT
The project Cocoa Temple aims to raise the population‘s awareness about the food system, in this case, cocoa is the main object. Through a series of sensory experiences, visitors enter an immersive space with 8 different rooms, each of them has a purpose of consciousness. The messages will be through sounds, smells and colorful lights. At the end of the program, the visitors will have a general knowledge of the process and will be more attentive, sensitive and willing to ask for changes.
OUTSIDE LAYER FAÇADE PROPOSAL
BREATHING FAÇADE
ENVIRONMENT INTERACTIVE SOLUTION FOR CONTROLLING THE BUILDING’S INTERNAL CLIMATE.
DRONES
POLLINATION SOLUTION
INSIDE LAYER FAÇADE PROPOSAL
SENSORIAL EXPERIENCE
