A quick search is all it takes to realize there is no shortage of knowledge, experience, and innovation surrounding mobility within and between urban centers. Arquicast invites two experts on the subject to join the debate: architect Fernando Lima, PhD in Urbanism from UFRJ, adjunct professor at UFJF, and Visiting Professor at Pennsylvania State University; and administrator Rodrigo Tortoriello, who holds an MBA in Transportation Engineering from UFRJ and is the former Extraordinary Secretary of Urban Mobility for Porto Alegre.

In this episode, Arquicast pays tribute to Ruy Ohtake, an internationally renowned São Paulo architect with an impressive portfolio of built projects and the mind behind some of the most iconic buildings in the city of São Paulo. Ruy passed away in November 2021 at the age of 83. To help us trace the life and professional trajectory of this son of Japanese immigrants, we invited three prominent figures—leading authorities on Ohtake's work, his context within the history of Brazilian architecture, and the distinctive traits of his striking personality. Joining the conversation are architects Abílio Guerra, Renato Anelli, and Rodrigo Queiroz. 

When we think of an architecture firm, what typically comes to mind is the design and development of projects of varying complexity and scale, traditionally associated with lived space—whether designed for residential, commercial, or institutional purposes, among many other activities that characterize our urban lifestyle. Consequently, encountering a portfolio that simultaneously features residences, nautical equipment, public transit systems, and small appliances—such as ceiling fans, air purifiers, and citrus juicers—can elicit a certain surprise. 

The design for what was then called the Ministry of Education and Public Health was developed during 1936 by a team comprising architects Oscar Niemeyer, Affonso Reidy, Jorge Moreira, Carlos Leão, and Ernani Vasconcelos, under the coordination of Lucio Costa. At the request of the then-Minister Gustavo Capanema and with guidance from Le Corbusier, the team of young Brazilian modernists was tasked with giving a national identity to the building that would become one of the greatest icons of Brazilian architecture, in direct opposition to the dominant aesthetic of the time. The decision not to commission the original design, which had won the public competition held for this purpose, is just one part of this incredible story.

The latest episode of Arquicast on construction industry trends explores the key themes that dominated architectural debate throughout 2021 and how these issues are shaping market expectations for the year ahead. Sustainability, innovation, technology, and workplace culture are among the core concepts discussed—all of which, in one way or another, seem central to the shifts on the horizon for 2022.

One of the most talked-about films of the year is part of an acclaimed franchise that features the city as one of its main characters. While the protagonist is a well-known superhero, it is impossible to talk about Batman without talking about Gotham City. In this episode, Arquicast discusses the latest installment of the Caped Crusader's saga, following his journey to rescue Gotham from the clutches of organized crime and restore a sense of citizenship that might bring unity and hope to the city's unequal and battered population. 

African architect Diébédo Francis Kéré, known worldwide for work guided by a social vision of architecture and design practice as a tool for inclusion and transformation, was this year's Pritzker Prize laureate. To discuss the award, the jury's selection, and its implications for architectural culture as a whole, Arquicast invited Caio Dias and Bruno Sarmento.

Urban planning is of interest to everyone, but it is no subject for novices. With this in mind, Arquicast invited professionals who contribute directly to the field through extensive research and practical experience for a conversation. Joining the podcast are Roberto Ghidini, an engineer, urban observer, founder of Sociedad Peatonal, and PhD in Urbanism from UPM (Polytechnic University of Madrid); and João Flávio Folly, an architect with a Master’s in Urbanism from UFF and currently a PhD candidate in Mobility and Urbanism at PROURB/UFRJ. 

Located in the neighborhood of São Cristóvão in Rio de Janeiro, the Prefeito Mendes de Moraes Residential Complex, better known as Pedregulho, was designed by architect Affonso Eduardo Reidy in 1947 to house public servants of the then-Federal District. The project marks a moment of international recognition for Reidy's architectural and urban design work, while also highlighting his significant partnership with Carmen Portinho.

For another episode in the series on Social Interest Housing (HIS), Arquicast has selected a crucial chapter of our recent history: the Minha Casa Minha Vida Program (MCMV). The episode discusses the foundations of the so-called housing deficit, the program's progress, and its shortcomings.

In a new interview episode, Arquicast speaks with one of the most renowned and established practices in Brazilian architecture. In 2022, aflalo/gasperini arquitetos celebrates 60 years of a practice that has evolved alongside the nation's architecture. A commitment to building performance is central to their work, as is their pursuit of the most advanced technology to support sustainable design—an approach validated by several of their older projects that have gone on to receive international certifications.

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Today's world presents significant challenges for the press at large. Amid widespread debate over news consumption and journalism, architectural publishing is no exception. In a profession where images are paramount, the shift in landscape—from print to digital media—has brought numerous challenges, intensifying the competition for audiences. Social media has become a platform where people not only consume but also produce content.

Architectural lighting design is a broad subject, as it encompasses discussions on the physical and perceptual aspects of light, its applications in lighting projects, luminous effects, and the variables of comfort and performance. Furthermore, it is within the lighting design itself that the integration of natural and artificial lighting systems takes place. Arquicast invited two professionals from the field—one from the manufacturing industry and the other from design services—to outline the current state of this specialty in Brazil.

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The job market in architecture and urbanism is highly competitive. High demand for innovative, sustainable, and aesthetically pleasing projects drives intense competition. Moreover, technological shifts and rising client expectations demand constant adaptation. What are the obstacles, opportunities, methods, and "tools and tricks of the trade" required to enter the "jungle" of entrepreneurship? Drawing from the guests' experiences, this special episode offers an open and lively conversation on the subject.

Today, technology is an inherent part of producing urban space. Among the most innovative of these tools is Virtual Reality (VR), which transports users into a simulated reality, allowing them to experience unbuilt spaces first-hand. Its applications extend far beyond real estate marketing, however: current research encompasses design experimentation, the immersive experience of historical built environments, and the recreation of architectural elements through prototyping. This potential has been unlocked by technological advancements and falling hardware costs, making VR increasingly accessible to students, professionals, and the general public. 

When discussing acoustics, we usually think of architectural projects where sound takes center stage, such as concert halls, auditoriums, and schools. However, acoustic issues and their impact on the quality of spaces are much broader, extending to cities and less complex buildings, and can either enhance the spatial experience or make it increasingly stressful. Arquicast brings a fresh perspective to the importance of acoustics in our lives, interviewing architects Marcos Holtz, a specialist in architectural and environmental acoustics, and Ernani Machado, who holds a PhD in environmental comfort.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): an infectious disease caused by a newly identified virus in humans, resulting in a respiratory illness characterized by symptoms such as fever, cough, and, in more severe cases, respiratory failure. Highly contagious, the virus is known to be transmitted through respiratory droplets or nasal discharge. Consequently, the primary means of prevention is frequent sanitization.

Amid the pandemic, it is estimated that 900 million people are or have been under home quarantine during the first half of 2020. Quarantine, imposed by the need for physical distancing, demanded a reorganization of routines, work relations, and, consequently, the spaces that previously accommodated these dynamics. Working from home is nothing new in many professions, including for some architects accustomed to independent design practice or research. However, the unprecedented nature of the pandemic has brought a series of challenges to performing different functions that must now take place in the same location, at the same time, and often by different family members (parents, children, grandparents).