riVer labs – Nature Observatory of Amazonia
The riVer labs are a series of five self-sustaining facilities located across the Amazon, having gained its moniker from its intended location and the Roman Numeral V.
Rainwater is gathered for both treatment as potable water and to supply the aquaponics system. The building provides systems for hydropinic plants, live wells for fish and worms farms to complete the cycle. The fish and plants feed the visitors and resident scientists, the fish waste feeds the worms and the worm waste feeds the plants and the worms themselves feed the fish.
Solar power, geothermal water, thermal massing, aquaponics and water treatment all combine to provide an observation environment without jeopardizing the natural environment.
Multiple observation decks expose visitors to views of the underground, underwater and areal views.