This guide covers a workflow that moves from project parameters to generated floor plans, 3D perspective views, exterior design exploration, and site context visualization, using AI tools in place of preliminary CAD and rendering work.

This week on the TERRAZA podcast, Nicolás Valencia speaks with Argentine-Spanish architect Zaida Muxí, author of the book “⁠Mujeres, casas y ciudades⁠” (Women, Houses, and Cities), published by dpr-Barcelona in 2018.

In “⁠Mujeres, casas y ciudades⁠”, Muxí proposes rewriting the history of architecture and urbanism by incorporating the contributions of the many women who have been silenced in mainstream historical accounts.

“If we want to play by market rules, housing will never be a right,” Muxí posits in this interview.

The rise of sustainability and the circular economy is transforming the construction industry, driving a growing demand for new specialized roles. Positions such as sustainability managers or circular economy consultants are becoming increasingly common in contemporary projects.

In 2024, the evolution of porcelain tiles has elevated the tactile experience to a new level, transforming them into true works of art. Produced with mineral texture printing technology, the collections feature striking reliefs in dimensions of 120 x 120 cm, 100 x 200 cm, 120 x 250 cm, 160 x 160 cm, and 160 x 320 cm, designed to awaken all the senses. Behind this advancement is Roca Brasil Cerámica, part of the Mexican LAMOSA Group, leading the Roca Cerâmica and Incepa brands.

"Drinking Caracu is drinking health." This is what read on the massive blank wall of a building in downtown São Paulo on the morning of May 1, 2018. Hidden for decades, the advertisement for the famous beer brand now loomed before a massive heap of concrete, twisted metal, and shattered glass. This was the rubble to which the iconic Wilton Paes de Almeida Building had been reduced—a modernist landmark designed by architect Roger Zmekhol and the subject of the documentary Skin of Glass, directed by his daughter, Denise Zmekhol.

The film transcends traditional architectural documentation by blending a personal narrative with the political complexities of contemporary Brazil, a country shaped by deep inequalities and erased memories. At the heart of the story is the building itself, considered a landmark of Brazilian modern architecture, which collapsed in 2018 after a tragic fire.

Stone and marble continue to establish themselves as essential materials in architecture and design, for both interiors and exteriors worldwide. CHC offers a curated selection designed to create spaces with a timeless, elegant character. Discover how to incorporate marble and stone into your projects to add a touch of modern style.

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On this week's episode of the TERRAZA podcast, Nicolás Valencia speaks with Chilean architect Sandra Iturriaga about the book ⁠Mapocho Aguas Abajo⁠ (Ediciones ARQ), a publication developed by the Mapocho 42K Lab at the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile that proposes revaluing the heritage and landscape of the downstream stretch of the Mapocho River in Santiago, Chile.

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This week on the TERRAZA podcast, Nicolás Valencia talks with Venezuelan-American architect Elisa Silva about her book, "Pure Space: Public Space Transformations in Latin American Spontaneous Settlements" (Actar Publishers), an analysis of a series of public space interventions in communities across Mexico, Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Argentina, Peru, and Chile.

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Nicolás Valencia talks this week on the TERRAZA podcast with Chilean architect Rodrigo Tisi about his book ⁠Objetos y espacios performativos⁠ (Ediciones ARQ), research that examines key moments to observe, explain, and establish the possibilities of certain performance practices in academia and creative environments.

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This week on the TERRAZA podcast, Nicolás Valencia talks with Brazilian architect and critic Guilherme Wisnik about his book En la niebla (Editorial Bifurcaciones), a series of essays where fog serves as a metaphor for the state of uncertainty in today's world, weaving together contemporary debates on space, art, and politics.

Choosing between vinyl and laminate flooring is no longer necessary, as resilient hybrid flooring combines the best features of both materials. Kiwi is a natural flooring made of 80% wood, utilizing a premium impregnation technology that makes it 100% waterproof. This product features 80% wood, while the remaining 20% is composed of plant-based resins. Consequently, it is 100% PVC-free, making it an entirely eco-friendly choice.

As part of a new collaboration between Mexican firms Dellekamp Arquitectos and Rojkind Arquitectos, Casa Roca is presented in Puerto Los Cabos, San José del Cabo, Mexico. Inspired by the rock formations at the site's summit, the project features a radial layout carefully organized in response to its topography. Sited on a 5,000 m² lot, the 1,200 m² house organizes its program along the natural landscape, minimizing its footprint and establishing a close relationship with nature as the core living experience.

What is thermal inertia and how does it work? Consider two simple buildings: one constructed primarily of stone and another of uninsulated wood. On a sunny day, the stone building, with its high thermal inertia, will gradually absorb solar heat. At night, it will slowly release this stored heat, keeping the interior warmer for longer. Meanwhile, the uninsulated wooden building, with its low thermal inertia, will heat up and cool down much faster, quickly absorbing heat during the day but easily losing it at night.

This example demonstrates how the stone building has a superior capacity to regulate indoor temperature due to its higher thermal inertia. Architects leverage this physical property of materials to optimize building thermal performance and reduce reliance on heating or cooling systems. However, every project is unique, and the required levels of thermal inertia can vary depending on the climate and the use of each building.

Below, we examine how the thermal inertia of different materials performs across various scenarios, as well as the contribution of ceramic or porcelain tiles to achieving optimal comfort.

Confronting the passage of time is a constant challenge in architecture. The ephemeral nature of humanity often drives us to construct structures capable of resisting not only the years but also external factors like weather, operational wear, and even human interaction. Whether through imposing monuments, iconic contemporary buildings, or the use of highly durable materials, our architectural vision and legacy can be preserved.

Stainless steel is a prime example of resistance to the passage of time and environmental factors. Its durability has made it popular in various applications, ranging from facades to cafeteria furniture and restroom partitions. The latter are widely used in public restrooms in airports, schools, and social clubs—typologies subjected to high traffic that require stainless steel combined with finishes providing reinforced, anti-corrosive protection, such as the anti-graffiti finish developed by Sanilock. This results in more durable and resilient partitions.

Architecture is a discipline intrinsically linked to our senses. Although taste and smell are likely the least engaged by the built environment, touch, sight, and hearing are constantly influenced by stimuli from design, materials, and sound sources, whether interior or exterior. Consequently, when it comes to sound, its relationship with human well-being is a highly relevant topic for architects and designers, as sound frequently shapes how we experience spaces.

Depending on the building typology and the activities taking place within it—as well as the desired effect—it may be necessary to attenuate indoor sound, block it between two enclosed spaces, or, in some cases, both. From the typical sounds of a workspace and music, to the auditory stimuli generated by urban activity, acoustics is an inherent discipline in architecture. As such, architects and brands like Armstrong have sought to address its nuances through technology, innovation, and diverse designs.

What do asbestos, lead-based paint, and plastic products have in common? They are all on the list of materials that will likely disappear in the future. This shift is not coincidental; rather, it reflects growing concern over the negative impacts of their component substances. As our awareness of environmental sustainability and personal well-being increases, we have begun to closely scrutinize the choice and composition of the materials used to build our environment, driving the adoption of healthier alternatives.

Today, when seeking healthy options in interior architecture, one of the best strategies is to opt for materials that minimize or eliminate toxic substances and improve air quality. In this context, indoor environments—especially in homes—face a significant challenge due to high concentrations of formaldehyde in the resins of MDF and particleboard used for furniture and wall cladding. This concern has led to a more responsible approach to material selection, such as Arauco's melamine panels, which have evolved toward safer standards, benefiting both manufacturers and users.

Minimalism is a philosophy so widespread that it spans everything from art and personal ideologies to architecture. Emerging from a highly diverse historical and social context, this design approach manifests in various ways today. Consequently, it can be found across different typologies, such as residential interiors, cafes, and shops, which are notable for their efficient use of space and the emphasis placed on materials, creating visually lightweight atmospheres through light tones, monochromatic schemes, and a refined visual aesthetic.

Given its broad scope, minimalism has gradually evolved, finding new inspiration in contemporary contexts and diversifying into microtrends like solemn minimalism. In this regard, a contemporary, human-centered approach to design has led to the exploration of spaces that, while maintaining a minimalist line through fewer elements and a clean visual appearance, now incorporate neutral textures and pastel colors. This new vision integrates ceramic tiles, thereby creating introspective, orderly atmospheres with a solemn and spiritual character.

Porcelain tiles have established themselves as a versatile option in contemporary architecture, thanks to their wide range of formats and finishes. Particularly in terms of texture, these coverings excel at capturing the essence of natural materials, reproducing their aesthetics and detailing. At the same time, they retain the inherent technical advantages of porcelain—such as durability and strength—offering a perfect balance between visual appeal and performance.

In residential design, the qualities of these coverings become even more significant. As home aesthetics evolve, we see a steady return to natural materials, such as stone, in various finishes and shades. The ability of porcelain tiles to emulate these timeless materials makes it possible to create unique atmospheres in interior design. When combined with other materials and decorative elements, they facilitate the creation of aesthetically harmonious, cohesive environments.

Beyond mere functionality, design can be explored as an art form by triggering emotions and becoming a welcoming sanctuary. In a quest to connect design, nature, and human beings, many architecture and interior design professionals seek to create living experiences through the transformation of materials, the promotion of ecological and sustainable commitment, or the implementation of innovative solutions that transcend aesthetics to enhance user comfort.

Choosing 80x80-centimeter porcelain tiles reflects the pursuit of a modern, minimalist aesthetic, thanks to their ability to create continuous surfaces that visually expand spaces. By easily covering larger areas, they offer a sense of unity and continuity that is highly sought after in contemporary design. Their geometric designs, modern interpretations of natural materials, and abstract patterns leverage advanced manufacturing and printing technologies to design unique spaces.

From rustic to contemporary styles, porcelain tile offers options that complement and enhance any design scheme, allowing designers and homeowners to realize their vision without compromise. Its application extends beyond flooring, finding a home on walls, bathrooms, kitchens, and facades.

With global urbanization continuing as a constant and growing phenomenon, nature and its living components often seem scarce in contemporary urban centers. In this sense, we seem to have collectively forgotten that the natural world is humanity's primary environment. Yet, the fact that society has chosen cities as its predominant living model does not mean nature is obsolete. On the contrary, the ongoing search for sustainable, well-being-oriented solutions can provide us with more and better answers.

Biomimetic architecture, focused on finding sustainable solutions in the natural environment, emerges as a way to integrate nature into the built environment. This integration goes beyond mere imitation or decontextualized copying, grounding itself in understanding and extrapolating natural qualities to buildings and interiors. As such, specific biomimicry strategies applied to architecture can be reflected in ceramic wall and floor coverings, addressing aspects like mineral composition, design, and aesthetics that are closely linked to nature.

Harmonizing with nature is a fundamental premise in architecture, aiming for buildings to be an extension of their environment rather than invasive elements. Frank Lloyd Wright, for instance, maintained that a house should not be placed on a hill, but rather merge with it. Today, this integration has gained greater relevance, driven by the growing need to manage resources and a deep desire to reconnect with the environment. Moreover, this contextual relationship manifests on a sensory level, where visual and tactile elements fuse with the landscape, creating an immersive experience through architectural features that blend with nature.

These spaces include bathrooms, courtyards (both indoor and outdoor), and even swimming pools, all characterized by their inherent connection with water, where finishes—depending on texture and color—can achieve a visual and compositional harmony with the surroundings. A prime example of this is the variety of stones offered by Sukabumi: materials featuring low water absorption, high durability, ease of cleaning, and slip resistance. Through combinations of different tones, sizes, and textures, these stones become a powerful resource for creating organic and welcoming atmospheres through materiality.

From an urban perspective, airports and stations form a powerful element in the landscape that is sometimes only perceivable from a distance. Conversely, when considering the technical and functional aspects that unfold within, these spaces acquire new dimensions. Within their walls, it is necessary to design atmospheres where comfort is central and acoustics play a leading role. In this context, understanding the fundamental principles of incorporating appropriate ceiling systems is essential to positively impact aesthetics, user experience, and environmental quality.

To this end, this guide aims to present strategies integrating solutions from brands like Armstrong, highlighting the importance of ceiling design in high-traffic areas. Furthermore, it focuses on how ceilings can be essential to the success of these spaces through different systems and materials.

Water, in addition to being a design resource widely valued for its aesthetics and functional contribution, can become a formidable adversary when it infiltrates through cracks and fissures in built surfaces. Consequently, waterproofing is not merely a protective measure; it is an essential strategy to extend the lifespan of structures, ensure the habitability of spaces, and prevent issues like leaks and premature deterioration. From terraces and green roofs to heavy-duty surfaces, controlling moisture represents a constant challenge for architects, engineers, and builders. This is especially critical in a context that demands increasingly efficient waterproofing materials with greater resistance to adverse environmental factors.

External factors shaping the built environment play a decisive role in building configuration, particularly with respect to facades. These factors can encompass physical phenomena, such as wind pressure or seismic activity, as well as climatological aspects, including precipitation, solar radiation, and temperature changes.

Consequently, facades have evolved to adapt to the design conditions they face, driving the integration of lightweight building envelopes. In this context, the exterior wall solutions by Panel Rey stand out. These systems are used as exterior cladding, incorporating various substrates, profiles, and other components. Together, these provide the facade with lightness and strength.