The city of Brasília, inaugurated in April 1960, is perhaps one of the greatest milestones of how architecture, urbanism, and national politics intertwine. The result of Juscelino Kubitschek's government program, which promised "50 years of progress in 5," the city stands as a testament to modernism, revealing political strategies of the era such as heavy investment in the automotive industry and the widespread use of reinforced concrete. While Brasília is a milestone in global architecture, its very existence stems from political and economic strategies implemented by the government in the late 1950s. With the 2022 elections fast approaching, it is crucial for us, as a professional field, to understand how our profession is impacted by the presidency and what we can demand from the executive branch. 

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Videos

Bretagne, Louvre, Viadutos, Planalto. These are just some of the projects designed by Artacho Jurado, a controversial figure in São Paulo's architectural scene. With a particular focus on decorative elements, the self-taught architect was highly criticized by the professional establishment at the time, yet embraced by the public. Today, his work continues to garner increasing attention as a vision that reached beyond the modern canon, and his buildings have become symbols of São Paulo's urban landscape. Exploring his architecture, the exhibition Artacho Jurado, architect?, curated by Abilio Guerra, is on view at Chácara Lane, Museu da Cidade de São Paulo, through April 2022.

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The relationship between architecture and structure has been widely discussed and is repeatedly revisited by architects with every new project. Much like plumbing and electrical systems, the structural system is one of the essential disciplines that make up a building. Yet, it is one of the most impactful on the architectural outcome, directly shaping the spatial experience and the chosen materiality. Mastering structural design and understanding how to best integrate it into the architectural project grants architects greater autonomy and expands the possibilities of design solutions. 

Selecting a structural system and deciding how to incorporate it into the architectural design is a pivotal decision in any project. On one hand, architects can choose to absorb structural elements, camouflaging them within the building envelope to make them imperceptible. On the other, the structural system can be brought to the forefront, turning into a defining feature of the design—whether through its structural logic, its materiality, or by being elevated to a nearly sculptural element. 

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Marcelo Ferraz, founding partner—alongside Francisco Fanucci—of Brasil Arquitetura, an office that has garnered numerous national and international awards in recognition of projects that are deeply sensitive to their site, yet essentially contemporary, is this week's guest on Arquicast.

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Interested in working in social housing? Until July 13, the CAU/SP will accept proposals for the development and implementation of projects supporting Technical Assistance for Social Interest Housing (ATHIS) through partnerships with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs).

The Council has allocated a total of R$ 803,900 to be distributed across two public calls. This represents a unique opportunity to develop initiatives aimed at improving the housing and quality of life for populations with monthly incomes under three minimum wages.  

Featuring a total of 53 proposals, the Council of Architecture and Urbanism of Brazil and the Institute of Architects of Brazil launched the “Open Letter to Candidates in the 2018 Elections for the Right to the City.” The issue of social housing is one of the highlights of the proposed “Solidary and Inclusive Urban Planning.” For these organizations, it is crucial to establish a housing policy consisting of diverse solutions rather than a single model based on the construction of massive housing complexes, typically on the outskirts of cities, as is currently the case.