This guide shows how to use a D5 Render a free live-sync plugin to improve SketchUp workflow.

The Recife Street Design Manual (MDR) emerges as a significant milestone in the city's urban mobility planning and design, focusing on active and collective modes of transportation. Developed as an integral part of the Recife Mobility Plan, which was approved in 2021, it represents an innovative approach to street circulation, establishing new design parameters that benefit all users. With its goal of promoting broad, safe, efficient, sustainable, resilient, and democratic access to the city, the manual seeks to transform how we think about and design streets.

Nearly one hundred thousand square meters make up the site of one of Brazil's most important industrial heritage landmarks. Opened in 1926 by a Canadian group, the Perus Portland Cement Factory in São Paulo was crucial to the region's growth, leaving a legacy that goes far beyond its architectural remains.

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The Social Service of Commerce (Sesc) offers a wide range of activities in culture, sports, leisure, education, health, and social assistance. Since 1946, the institution has also played a fundamental role in architecture, delivering buildings with innovative approaches that prioritize community integration. Renowned architects like Lina Bo Bardi and Paulo Mendes da Rocha have designed iconic projects like the Pompeia and 24 de Maio centers, demonstrating how spatial design can transform and revitalize urban areas while establishing cultural and social landmarks. São Paulo will welcome 12 new centers over the next decade, the first of which—Sesc 14 Bis—opens this week.

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According to data released by the CAU/DF in 2022, more than 82% of the Brazilian urban territory grows informally and through self-construction—a vibrant phenomenon manifested across the country. By "self-construction," we refer to a popular architecture, vividly expressed by people freely building their own homes.

While this scenario showcases a rich building culture, with creative solutions, technologies, and adaptations to local resources and contexts that involve valuable knowledge, it also reveals a high level of housing precariousness. Unsanitary environments and a lack of basic infrastructure expose residents to numerous hazards. 

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Earth is the title of Brazil's contribution to the Venice Architecture Biennale 2023, an exhibition curated by Gabriela de Matos and Paulo Tavares occupying the spaces of the Brazilian Pavilion at the Giardini. Divided into two galleries, the exhibition challenges the canons of modern architecture while seeking alternatives for a decolonized and decarbonized future in invisibilized ancestral narratives. Earth is the first Brazilian pavilion to be recognized with the highest award of the Venice Architecture Biennale, the Golden Lion.

In an effort to expand access to the content exhibited in Venice, we present here the texts and images of the first gallery, titled Decolonizing the Canon. The second gallery, Places of Origin, Archaeologies of the Future, can be viewed here. ArchDaily wishes to thank the Fundação Bienal de São Paulo, which generously provided the material from the Earth pavilion for this publication.

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Urban mining seeks to explore and recover valuable resources found within the waste discarded in cities. While traditional mining extracts raw materials directly from the earth, this concept focuses on those hidden within products discarded by the population, such as plastic, glass, and ferrous and non-ferrous metals (iron, gold, silver, aluminum, copper, etc.) that can be reused by industry.

Simply put, while traditional mining focuses on virgin minerals, urban mining recycles and recirculates these materials from items returned by consumers after use. When disposed of improperly (in regular trash or the environment), they can end up in open landfills or dumps, harming flora, fauna, and human health.

Doors and windows have undergone few changes since their original conception. They are elements designed to meet the basic human need for sunlight, air circulation in enclosed spaces, and ease of movement, all to ensure comfortable living. Consequently, their role in daily life is both constant and crucial. Although their primary function remains unchanged, doors and windows as architectural components continue to serve the role of separating spaces while allowing the entry of light, objects, and landscapes—largely maintaining their original structure. However, significant progress has been made in their manufacturing materials and the technical performance they offer.

In today's context, minimalism has emerged as a trend focused on simplifying down to the essentials, leaving its mark on contemporary architecture, including modern windows and doors. This streamlined approach, characterized by the elimination of elements unnecessary for proper functioning, has become prominent across various countries. In line with this trend, Strugal window and door systems have made significant strides in the construction of architectural elements through technological development in manufacturing processes and new product design. These advancements are reflected in various applications across facades and interior courtyards using sliding windows and doors.

With the increasingly frequent and intense impacts of climate change on cities, nature-based solutions (NBS) have emerged as a core strategy for adapting to this reality.

Nature and ecosystems provide valuable services to people, from climate regulation to the promotion of health and well-being. Reintegrating these services into the urban landscape is a critical part of the transformation required for cities to face complex challenges, such as the impacts of increasingly intense rainfall, extreme heat, and pollution. At the same time, it can enhance resilience and expand access for the most vulnerable populations to essential infrastructure, leisure spaces, and economic opportunities.

Campinas has revised its environmental plans, formalizing nature-based solutions (NBS) as a central component of the municipality's environmental policies, actions, and goals. Enacted by municipal decree, this revision strengthens the city's commitment to climate adaptation, resilience, and a long-term vision, while prioritizing sustainable, equitable, and inclusive urban development.

As part of Arte Abierto's new programming in Mexico City, artist Gabriela Galván presents "Modthern Nature," a site-specific installation that transforms the exhibition hall into a natural garden featuring endemic plants from the Pedregal region and a sensory hydroponic system, seeking to foster cognitive, contemplative, and imaginative experiences surrounding nature and our connection to it.

This article by Luis Álvarez Ayuso and Federico del Blanco García was originally published in the 16th issue of rita journal under the title "Aplicación de redes neuronales al diseño de vivienda colectiva: Procesos generativos de combinatoria y automatización mediante inteligencia artificial." The following presents research focused on the use of artificial intelligence for architectural design and automation processes. The proposed workflow leverages the capabilities of neural networks combined with automated algorithm design to eliminate repetitive, routine tasks.

On two specific days of the year, June 21 and December 21, if you look up at the sky, you will notice that the sun seems to stand still at its northernmost or southernmost limit before completing its daily path and reversing direction. This impression of a stationary sun led to the event being named the "solstice," derived from the Latin words 'sol' and 'sistere', meaning to stand still. It occurs when the sun reaches its northernmost or southernmost diurnal arc relative to the Equator; thus, two solstices occur annually, marking the beginning of winter and summer in the respective hemispheres.

Historically, this moment has held immense significance for various cultures, marking holidays, rituals, festivals, and ceremonies that, in turn, are tied to religion, agriculture, and fertility. Recognizing the importance of these rituals for cultural heritage and ancient traditions, the UN established June 21 as the International Day of the Celebration of the Solstice to foster mutual respect between different cultures.

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When it comes to facades, there are numerous options to consider to define both the appearance and the message a building seeks to convey. While glazed surfaces bring sophistication and evoke corporate environments, exposed concrete offers sobriety, and wood lends warmth, few materials are as versatile for facades as HPL (high-pressure laminate). With a wide range of dimensions, colors, and textures, these panels easily adapt to different architectural styles, opening up endless creative possibilities. 

Architecture is a business. Whether architects openly admit it or not, running an architecture firm works just like any other company. Businesses—and their founders, leaders, and stakeholders—are influenced by real-world economic forces. You cannot make payroll on a love of the work.

In our current economic system, businesses must prioritize profitability to pay their employees a living wage, operate sustainably and ethically, and continue offering their services.

The sensitivity in selecting new firms and the focus on accessibility and sustainability alone place the latest editions of CASACOR among the architecture events that demand close attention. However, this year's theme, “Corpo & Morada” (Body & Home), goes a step further, showing how the event remains attuned to the profession's emerging and provocative themes.

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Converting office buildings to residential use is a major topic among developers and municipalities looking to add housing inventory to cities facing housing shortages. And for good reason: office occupancy rates have yet to recover from pandemic-era declines, and many advocates argue that North American cities have far too many office buildings due to their urban planning.

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Theater is composed of multiple elements that help convey a desired concept. One of these is set design, which integrates various objects and techniques to build an atmosphere aligned with the narrative universe. In an interview with Erika Malo, Mexican set designer Jorge Ballina notes that the setting is not just a visual resource for the audience, but also helps actors step into their characters' shoes to effectively convey the intended message.

Virtual reality, alongside the metaverse, is playing an increasingly important role in helping both people living with dementia and their caregivers and families cope with the symptoms of this neurodegenerative condition.

There are currently 50 million people living with dementia worldwide. This number is expected to double in the next 10 years and more than triple by 2050. Consequently, the global cost of dementia is projected to reach $2 trillion by 2030.

More People, Fewer Trees? In the face of the climate crisis, tree-lined streets—once merely desirable—have become an essential attribute for quality of life in São Paulo. Meanwhile, population density in the infrastructure-rich expanded center seems to be the most efficient path for the capital's growth. But are these two goals truly at odds? Does higher density inevitably mean more concrete and fewer trees? In a recent column for Jovem Pan, architect and urban planner Helena Degreas highlighted the ongoing loss of urban canopy in the city. In her view, this is a reflection of the "unbridled densification resulting from the guidelines of São Paulo's Strategic Master Plan, combined with regulations regarding tree removal along urban transformation development axes." In just four years, the Pinheiros Subprefecture alone reportedly lost over three thousand trees. Indeed, defending the city's "green lungs" is one of the central arguments supporting the historical resistance of residents in neighborhoods like Jardim América, Jardim Europa, Alto de Pinheiros, and Pacaembu to any changes in zoning laws that would encourage population density in these areas. On the other hand, according to research conducted by the Coalition for Urban Transitions, an initiative of the New Climate Economy, and the Urban Land Institute, evidence shows that increases in urban density are linked to declines in both local and per capita carbon emissions and energy consumption. This reduction in emissions is driven by factors such as decreased private vehicle use, greater energy efficiency in buildings, less built infrastructure, and fewer land-use changes on urban fringes. Consequently, dense cities are greener cities. These factors underpinned the argument made by architect and urban planner Anthony Ling in defense of proposed changes to the 2015 Zoning Law in his article "The Struggle of São Paulo's Elite to Exclude the City," published in Caos Planejado. To mark World Environment Week (June 5 to 9) and contribute to this controversial debate, I cross-referenced the number of street trees per square kilometer (vertical axis) with inhabitants per square kilometer (horizontal axis) across São Paulo's 96 districts, sharing the analysis in a LinkedIn post. If it were true that population density and green density in São Paulo necessarily move in opposite directions, we would see a clear negative correlation between the two variables. However, as the chart below shows, that is not the case. As the chart demonstrates, several districts have both green and population densities above the city average—such as Jardim Paulista, Vila Mariana, Consolação, and Perdizes. In Jardim Paulista, however, part of this high green density is due to the leafy neighborhood of Jardim América, where heritage preservation and zoning laws restrict construction and high-rises—consequently keeping population density low. The same occurs in the Perdizes district, which includes part of the Pacaembu neighborhood. In fact, focusing on the top of the chart, where districts with above-average green density are located, we do observe a slight negative correlation between green density and population density. Alto de Pinheiros has low population density but boasts the highest number of street trees per square kilometer in the city. As we move to the right on the chart toward districts with higher population densities, we see a drop in green density, as in Santa Cecília, República, and Bela Vista—though it is worth noting that even these districts remain above the city average. It is also true that higher population density, even in green areas, can mean fewer trees per capita. Bela Vista and República, for instance, despite their above-average green density, are among the districts with the lowest number of trees per inhabitant (highlighting the relevance of developments like Cidade Matarazzo in Bela Vista). Conversely, Butantã, despite having a green density close to the average, is one of the districts with the highest number of trees per inhabitant. However, it is when we factor price into the analysis (represented by circle size) that São Paulo reveals its segregated nature once again, as previously identified by Properati, the consultancy that compiled the green density and price data—while population density data was sourced from the City Hall website. Broadly speaking, the districts with the highest green density are also among the capital's most expensive. Furthermore, wealthy areas concentrate most of the city's parks, such as Ibirapuera Park (Vila Mariana), Parque do Povo (Itaim Bibi), Trianon Park (Jardim Paulista), and Augusta Park (Consolação). In other words, the benefits of green spaces in São Paulo also appear to be a privilege reserved for the few. The contrast between the two "Itaims" is particularly striking: on one hand, Itaim Bibi is green, wealthy, with below-average population density and nearly 150 street trees per thousand inhabitants; on the other, Itaim Paulista is low-income, densely populated, and has few street trees (just 25 per thousand inhabitants). To be clear, I am not suggesting that the construction of new buildings along the urban transformation axes is not leading to tree removal—I myself deeply regretted the removal of a massive, century-old tree on a plot on Avenida Pompeia, near my home, to make way for a new building. The issue, however, may not be high-rise development and population density in themselves, but rather a lack of oversight and strategic planning to preserve existing trees—or to promote urban reforestation. As Helena Degreas herself points out, "in the city of São Paulo, tree planting is carried out by subprefectures on a compensatory basis—meaning that for every tree removed within a subprefecture's territory, another must be planted anywhere else in the city. It is at this point that issues related to local microclimate, soil permeability, and biodiversity are bypassed solely by the logic of real estate density." Her proposal to plant trees in the exact location where they were removed makes perfect sense. "Removing a tree from my street and planting it elsewhere makes no sense when it comes to local microclimate and resident well-being," she rightly argues. Furthermore, urban greening or even creating small garden beds on sidewalks almost always falls on property owners, without proper planning or public sector incentives. Structured, coordinated initiatives could significantly improve the microclimate and quality of life for those who use these public spaces. When properly planned, population density tends to create more resilient, efficient, diverse, and prosperous areas, both socioeconomically and environmentally, as evidence suggests. Thus, what the resistance to density in certain areas seems to reveal, rather than a legitimate defense of the city's green spaces, is the old, disappointing defense of established privileges. Extremely well-located, close to high-paying jobs and major cultural and leisure facilities, areas with high green density and low population density are among the most expensive in the city. "What they want to maintain is the quality of life in their own neighborhood—the silence, the greenery [...] but to call that public interest? No," stated Flávio Villaça, one of Brazil's most prominent urban planners, quoted by Ling in his article. Via Caos Planejado.

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Year after year, organizations, government authorities, and other global entities face the challenge of implementing regulations and measures to address rising water scarcity: as of 2017, according to the World Health Organization, roughly 3 out of 10 people lacked access to safe drinking water at home, while 6 out of 10 lacked access to safely managed sanitation.

Although there are records of latrines dating back to 3100 BCE, the first flush toilet was invented in 1596 by Englishman John Harington. He produced two units: one for himself and another for Queen Elizabeth I.

The idea did not catch on at the time, and it was only in 1775 that Scotsman Alexander Cumming patented the modern toilet, designed to connect to a sewage system. In 1885, another Englishman, Thomas Twyford, created the first porcelain toilet, replacing the wooden models that preceded it.

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According to recent research, the global fashion industry generates around $2.4 trillion annually. This staggering figure, unfortunately, is matched by its waste statistics. It is estimated that every second, the equivalent of a garbage truck full of textile scraps is burned or sent to landfills. Considering that fabrics like polyester, which is widely used in garment manufacturing, take an average of 200 years to decompose, the catastrophic future of this model is easily foreseeable. Alarming news consistently highlights this issue, such as the images of the immense secondhand clothing graveyard in the Atacama Desert released a few years ago, or reports that famous British luxury brand Burberry incinerated £28.6 million worth of unsold clothing, accessories, and perfume last year to protect its brand, claiming the carbon emissions were offset, making the action "environmentally sustainable."

Present-moment awareness, also known as mindfulness, is the practice of focusing entirely on the present. In this meditative practice, worries about the past and future give way to a heightened awareness of the *here and now*, which includes awakening a space-mediated self-awareness through the perception of feelings, sensations, and the surrounding environment.

In this context of awakening to self-awareness, the power of the built environment to serve as a refuge cannot be overlooked. While social interaction is vital for maintaining human health, privacy and spaces of retreat are equally essential.

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As critical as I am of the impact of shopping malls on urban life in São Paulo, I still cannot avoid them completely. Whether it is because I am short on time but need to stop by the supermarket and buy a birthday present; or because the movie I want to see is only playing at that specific time in that particular mall; or because my children love the play area on the rooftop of Shopping Pátio Higienópolis and, since I really need to buy new sneakers, we end up going there.