In the perception of many, the favela embodies contradictory and opposed representations. For those outside its boundaries, the favela is frequently associated with crime, poverty, or illness. Yet, it is also regarded as the aesthetic embodiment of a nation, serving as the birthplace of culturally renowned elements worldwide, such as samba in the case of Brazil.
Rio de Janeiro: The Latest Architecture and News
Transforming Public Spaces Through Art: An Interview with Antonio Ton
How do we give new meaning to degraded public spaces? Vibrant colors, geometric patterns, and community collaboration. That could describe the approach of Rio de Janeiro artist Antonio Ton. Drawing inspiration from interactions he finds on the streets and engaging in dialogue with local communities, his works extend beyond revitalizing sports courts and skate parks. Ton demonstrates how art fosters the creation of a space for gathering and leisure. We spoke with him to delve into his artistic process and explore the outcomes his paintings offer.
How Television Narratives Shape Urban Imaginaries
Cities are not just inert landscapes or lifeless settings; they play active and significant roles in shaping numerous television narratives. Whether in series or soap operas, urban environments play a fundamental role not only as the backdrop where plots unfold but also in shaping the developments of storylines, their creations, guidelines, and contexts. While, on the one hand, cities and their urban cultures contribute to the composition of various small screen plots, on the other hand, television programs can also help shape a certain idealized imagination about these urban spaces, generating unrealistic expectations and perpetuating a series of stereotypes about the represented cities.
Terra House / Cité Arquitetura
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Architects: Cité Arquitetura
- Area: 433 m²
- Year: 2021
Brisa Apartments / Sergio Conde Caldas Arquitetura
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Architects: Sergio Conde Caldas Arquitetura
- Area: 4081 m²
- Year: 2022
House Opy Ará 100 / Sergio Conde Caldas Arquitetura + Miguel Pinto Guimarães Arquitetos Associados
Latin American Favelas: Improvement Projects and Community Involvement
A few weeks ago, the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) named the recipient of the RIBA Norman Foster 2023 travel grant. Martha Pomasonco from Peru was awarded for her outstanding project titled "Barrios Mejorados."
The research project that impressed the jury aims to explore the impact of highly successful informal settlement improvement initiatives implemented in various Latin American countries. Its primary objective is to uncover valuable design insights related to social and environmental sustainability. The research is founded on the recognition that Latin America is the most urbanized region globally, with approximately 80% of its population residing in cities. Nevertheless, nearly 15% of this urban population resides in informal settlements marked by inadequate infrastructure and a diminished quality of life. Various improvement programs have been implemented, and the active involvement of citizens has been a crucial factor in enhancing their effectiveness.
Lake Refuge / Leila Dionizios
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Architects: Leila Dionizios
- Area: 80 m²
- Year: 2023
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Manufacturers: Altero, Arquivo Contemporâneo, Atelier Hugo França , Azu Wood Tiles, Beleza Pura Lagos, +12
Senses House / UP3 Arquitetura
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Architects: UP3 Arquitetura
- Area: 105 m²
- Year: 2023
What Is Eclectic Architecture?
Architectural styles have fallen out of favor throughout history. Generally, the peak of one movement means the decline of another. Over time, the situation may reverse, as in the case of postmodernism, which has divided opinions since its emergence, but experienced a revival in the first decades of the 2000s (or maybe not). Temporal distance contributes to the revision of certain styles' relevance and evaluation of their qualities - or problems.
The History of the Copacabana Sidewalk: From Its Origin in Portugal to Burle Marx's Intervention
The Copacabana calçada (Copacabana sidewalk) is one of the greatest symbols in the stunning landscape of Rio de Janeiro. What not everyone knows is that its history (and design) precedes the intervention of Roberto Burle Marx in the 1970s. The origin of the design, as well as its stones, is Portuguese.
7 Events Happening in 2023 in Copenhagen, the Next UNESCO World Capital of Architecture
UNESCO has named Copenhagen the World Capital of Architecture for 2023, following Rio de Janeiro’s inaugural hold of the title. Besides hosting the International Union of Architect’s World Congress, the initiative also aims to highlight the path to a more sustainable future and the role architecture and urban planning play in achieving this goal. The title is awarded triannually.
Denmark has continually topped the survey for the happiest countries, according to the World Happiness Report. For urban designers, Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, has become one of the most cited case studies regarding carbon-neutral infrastructure, pedestrian and bike-friendliness, and the outstanding qualities of its public realm. According to the Dansk Arkitektur Center, over 10,000 architects are expected to visit Copenhagen in the following year, to join the guided tours, exhibitions, debates, and cultural events that put design and architecture in the spotlight.
Itaúna House / Siqueira + Azul Arquitetura
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Architects: Siqueira + Azul Arquitetura
- Area: 8611 ft²
- Year: 2017
Architecture in the Expanded Field: Getting to Know the Work of gru.a Architects
In the midst of programmatic diversity and experimentation, the Rio de Janeiro office gru.a is an encouragement to those who wish to venture into the expanded field of architecture. Formed by partners Caio Calafate and Pedro Varella in 2013, gru.a demonstrates the potential of the profession when it dialogues with other disciplines.
Apartment General Artigas / Castro Cyon Arquitetas
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Architects: Castro Cyon Arquitetas
- Area: 1399 ft²
- Year: 2022
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Manufacturers: 100% Rouparia, Arm Marcenaria, Atlas ceramica, Deca, LZ Studio, +5
Guilhermina Commercial Building / Jacobsen Arquitetura
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Architects: Jacobsen Arquitetura
- Area: 5140 m²
- Year: 2020
Rio House / Olson Kundig
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Architects: Olson Kundig
- Area: 1500 ft²
- Year: 2018
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Professionals: MCE Structural Consultants, WSP Norge, Greenwatt, Isabel Duprat Landscape Architecture, O- Lighting Design, +2