In the architecture industry, environmental sustainability applied to the design and production of eco-efficient products has been receiving increasing attention. In this episode, Arquicast speaks with Sami Meira, an architect graduated from Florida Atlantic University and a specialist in Sustainable Business Strategy and Material Health.
“Learning from Las Vegas” is one of the most important books in the history and criticism of architecture and urbanism. Its three authors—Robert Venturi, Denise Scott Brown, and Steven Izenour—brought a curious approach to a city whose growth was driven by gambling and a dangerous association with the Mafia. Las Vegas, a city filled with signs, parking lots, and casinos, served as the reference point for the three authors during a research project at Yale University. The objective was to study the development of a new urban typology, the strip, in search of a new perspective on the city and architecture.
In a world that is physically more connected than ever, yet socially unequal and fragmented, what should be the contribution of architects in the pursuit of more egalitarian, developed, and humane cities and communities? According to the authors of this book, the subject of our conversation in this episode, our practice must necessarily embrace its political dimension.
The latest episode of Arquicast addresses one of the most defining and tragic events in recent history—an event that triggered radical political, social, and cultural shifts globally, and centered on an American architectural icon whose symbolism transcended the physical buildings themselves, giving rise to one of the world's most renowned design competitions. We are referring to September 11, 2001, the day a terrorist attack killed nearly three thousand people, injured over six thousand, and brought down the World Trade Center commercial complex, which included New York's world-famous Twin Towers.
This week's podcast tackles a topic that, as the saying goes, offers plenty of food for thought. For architects, representing a project is not only a form of artistic expression but also requires mastering a series of tools that must graphically translate the information needed to bring a building concept to life. In this sense, the history of architectural representation is deeply intertwined with the history of design itself, remaining a constant subject of reflection and evolution in our field.
Arquicast invited a team for a conversation that embodies a new vision of architecture and its power to mobilize, conceive, and execute transformative projects. They are part of a generation of professionals who will undoubtedly shift the focus of our craft, serving as role models for many young Brazilians who dream of studying architecture and urban planning—or other disciplines that can foster new practices in the places they call home and hold dear.
We are talking about Ester Carro, from the NGO Fazendinhando, established in Jardim Colombo in Paraisópolis, São Paulo. Also joining the conversation are the NGO's financial director, Erik Luan, and Kamilla Bianca, who manages the project's marketing.
The latest episode of Arquicast discusses the award-winning and groundbreaking South Korean film Parasite (2019). Director Bong Joon-ho invites us to reflect on the realities and stigmas of a social climate that, despite focusing on a specific culture, is representative of diverse urban contexts, such as those found in South America. Class struggle, after all, is a defining characteristic of modern societies, directly reflected in the spaces they inhabit. In this sense, *Parasite* offers a masterclass on how structural inequalities shape the quality of our built environment.
In the latest episode of the series, Arquicast spoke with the jury of the 9th Tomie Ohtake Akzonobel Architecture Award to understand the criteria established for the accolade. This time, joined by Sabrina Fontenele, architect, urbanist, and coordinator of the award, along with the other awardees, a roundtable discussion was held on the projects, providing a deeper look into their significance and the identity of the prize.
In the field of architecture, the challenges are multifaceted, including long working hours, low pay, inequality, and a lack of transparency. Yet, focusing solely on these negative aspects is often insufficient, if not simplistic. It is crucial to reflect on how we address these issues in our daily practice—promoting ethical decision-making, fostering teamwork and collaboration, and facilitating adaptation and innovation. While projects and clients often take center stage, we rarely delve deeply into the culture, work environments, routines, and dynamics of architecture firms.
In another episode on quality of life and connection with nature, Arquicast explores a topic that has become even more relevant in recent times: public open spaces in cities, with a focus on precious, revitalizing green spaces—urban parks and plazas. In an increasingly urbanized world, the search for places to connect with nature has become essential. The discussion is enriched by two special guests: Luciana Jesus, an architect, urban planner, and leader of the Urban Landscape and Inclusion research group at the University of Vila Velha; and Klaus Chaves Alberto, a PhD in urbanism and researcher in the field of health, well-being, and quality of life at the Federal University of Juiz de Fora.
mobility, but also for other urban functions, bringing greater complexity to the use, occupation, and development of cities, as well as stairways, elevators, sidewalks, and bike lanes, among other active mobility devices. All of these structures are known as “architectures of mobility.”
An architectural movement that emerged in the 1950s, Brutalism spread across several continents over the following decades. In this conversation, Arquicast goes beyond mere historiography to explore the legacy of this mode of spatial production and iconic buildings.
During Rio2C, the Arts&Crafts stage hosted another special episode of Arquicast for a live recording. This time, the guest was Alberto Renault, a set designer, writer, screenwriter, theater and TV director, as well as an International Emmy nominee and creator of several series, such as “Casa Brasileira,” “Lar: Vida Interior,” “Morar,” and “De Casa em Casa.”
In another episode dedicated to architectural landmarks, Arquicast centers on the iconic Villa Savoye, a milestone in the history of 20th-century modernist architecture. Guest PC Lourenço offers an in-depth analysis of this architectural icon and its paradigms, providing an insightful look into its enduring significance and influence. The episode is also available in video format, allowing viewers to follow the discussion alongside photos and technical drawings of the building.
Arquicast speaks with one of Brazil's most intriguing and renowned architects, Eduardo Longo. Describing any professional's body of work is a complex task, but it is especially challenging when discussing a figure like Longo, whose career is defined by a rejection of the established principles of his time, consistently seeking innovation and experimentation in architecture.
Episode 213 of Arquicast explores the fascinating field of event architecture, highlighting the importance of designing spaces that transform simple occasions into memorable experiences. The robust resurgence of the event market after two challenging years during the pandemic reflects the human need to celebrate, share joy, and escape the daily routine. Behind these memorable experiences, however, are event architects and designers, whose attention to detail and creativity shape the success of every occasion.
In this episode of Arquicast, a conversation with architects Liz Valente and Larissa Fioravante revisits the topic of work environments in architecture, bringing a new perspective to some of the discussions addressed in episode 214. The momentum for this "part 2" came from provocative comments from the audience, which prompted a deeper and more diverse reflection on the daily life of the profession. The participants shared their personal career paths, shaped by internships, experience in offices, the classroom, and even personal ventures.
Bike lanes, with their distinct paths and dedicated signage, have increasingly shaped the urban landscape of many cities around the world. Their impacts range from reducing vehicular traffic to promoting healthier and more sustainable lifestyles. Episode 212 of Arquicast addresses this crucial topic, featuring architect and transportation engineering expert Janaína Amorim, a partner at Metrics Mobilidade. The discussion explored global best practices, design and architectural trends, and the impact of bicycle infrastructure on public health.