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Panama Supercharge


Bika Rebek
Year: 2011

"Panama Supercharge" is an architectural dialogue between mass and
fragility, expressed as thin patterned developable surfaces out of
metal sheets and heavy masses out of raw concrete. The building is
adjacent to the new pair of locks at the Panama Canal, creating an
environment for cruise ship passengers while they are waiting for the
ship to pass the lock. In one hour visitors move through spaces with
different identities and climate zones, creating highly varied,
densely packed atmospheres. Planthouses, aquariums and an exhibition


inform on the astonishing biodiversity of the area surrounding the
Panama Canal. One side allows for spectacular views onto the water
lock, on the other side visitors take a walk into the jungle canopy.
The building becomes a threshold between an industrial structure and