A new architectural project aims to create a museum and public recreation center focused on education and research, located at the Henry Borden hydroelectric plant in Brazil.
This article discusses an innovative architectural project that proposes the establishment of a museum combined with a public recreation area within the Henry Borden hydroelectric power plant, located between Cubatão and São Bernardo do Campo, Brazil. This site is notable for its historical significance related to the Serra Project, designed by engineer Asa Billings, who reengineered rivers to function as a hydraulic machine, altering the natural flow and diverting freshwater into the sea.
The proposed museum aims to serve as a center for the collection of various projects by the EMAE, formerly part of Companhia Light, which was recently demolished as part of renovations at the Usina da Traição on the Pinheiros River. The museum will not only be an educational resource but also offers recreational opportunities for the public, engaging them in the history and technology of hydroelectric power.
Importantly, the project highlights the unique geographic feature of the Serra do Mar, where the museum will be located; the distance of 650 meters between the dam and the ruins of the hydroelectric plant's tanks is significant for accessibility and linkage. This reflects a modernization effort that integrates historical infrastructure with contemporary educational needs, providing a bridge between environmental conservation, technological innovation, and public education.
