Author: Bob J. Barraza | ArchDaily

Metaverses: From Science Fiction to the 'Extreme Present'

Bob J. Barraza — Thu, 23 Dec 2021 12:00:00 +0000

This year marked the 10th anniversary of the release of the first episode of Black Mirror. A dystopian, character-driven science fiction anthology series that explores twisted, high-tech metaverses where, according to IMDb, “humanity’s greatest innovations and darkest instincts collide.” For this reason, the British series, created by Charlie Brooker for Netflix, sparked a wide range of reactions among viewers. While it presented future scenarios, their proximity ended up creating a distinct sense of paranoia, fear, and uncertainty.

Lucía Villers: Architecture Focused on Understanding Time

Bob J. Barraza — Mon, 25 Oct 2021 15:00:00 +0000

We spoke with Mexican architect Lucía Villers about her interest in understanding time in architecture through projects and research focused on transformation and restoration. Her work is divided between architectural practice and research projects. Time is an obsession Lucía has had since childhood. “When I went on road trips and watched the landscape, I would suddenly notice that a mountain moved slower, while what was close to me seemed to go faster. I always had many questions about the perception of time. Sometimes it seems to pass very quickly, and then very slowly.”

On the Fourth Wave of Urbanization in the Arctic: "Post-Fossil Growth Scenarios for Arctic Cities"

Bob J. Barraza — Wed, 18 Aug 2021 13:00:00 +0000

The Arctic covers one-sixth of the Earth's surface. Much of its territory is covered by water, with the rest comprised of vast expanses of land. It is home to approximately 4 million inhabitants, including more than 30 Indigenous peoples. Eight states (Canada, Denmark/Greenland, Finland, Iceland, Norway, the Russian Federation, Sweden, and the United States) possess territories in the Arctic region. Its significance lies, among other things, in its role as the planet's air conditioner—reflecting sunlight and regulating global temperatures.

The History of Playgrounds and Play Spaces in Mexico

Bob J. Barraza — Fri, 30 Apr 2021 13:00:00 +0000

They can be categorized into various typologies, such as play yards, parks and gardens, play streets, and urban sculptures, among others. They began developing around the world in the late 19th century and peaked during 20th-century modernism. In Mexico, it was not until the second half of the last century that the design of children's street furniture became a vehicle for experimenting with the artistic and sculptural explorations of architects, urban planners, artists, and even the first industrial designers—a trend replicated throughout the country, resulting in projects that were anonymous yet highly experimental.