Rafaela Netto

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A Void of Possibilities: Discovering the Work of Vão

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Founded in 2013 in São Paulo, this young transdisciplinary practice focuses on architecture, urbanism, and fine arts. Influenced by visual arts, music, theater, and everyday urban life, the firm translates these lived experiences into projects across diverse scales, briefs, and contexts.

Named after a term with multiple meanings in Portuguese—in architecture, *vão* represents the void or span between structural elements, a space to be occupied and activated by social, political, artistic, and various other interactions—the firm was founded by Anna Juni, Enk te Winkel, and Gustavo Delonero. Throughout its nearly ten-year history, it has maintained a small team, alongside occasional collaborations with friends and colleagues on specific projects.

A Void of Possibilities: Discovering the Work of Vão - More Images+ 6

ABB Offices / IT'S Informov

ABB Offices / IT'S Informov - More Images+ 14

  • Architects: IT'S Informov
  • Area Area of this architecture project Area:  2800
  • Year Completion year of this architecture project Year:  2021

POD Rebouças / FGMF

POD Rebouças / FGMF - More Images+ 19

  • Architects: FGMF
  • Area Area of this architecture project Area:  700
  • Year Completion year of this architecture project Year:  2019

Gife Pavilion / Goma Oficina

Gife Pavilion / Goma Oficina - More Images+ 14

  • Architects: Goma Oficina
  • Area Area of this architecture project Area:  180
  • Year Completion year of this architecture project Year:  2019

Rodésia Apartment / GOAA - Gusmão Otero Arquitetos Associados

Rodésia Apartment / GOAA - Gusmão Otero Arquitetos Associados - More Images+ 29

Vila Madalena, Brazil

Sesc 24 de Maio by Paulo Mendes da Rocha and MMBB wins special award at the XI BIAU

In Asunção, Paraguay, the XI Ibero-American Biennial of Architecture and Urbanism announced today the winners of the Panorama of Works section for this edition of the event, "all faithful to the spirit of the XI BIAU: inhabiting, the inhabitant," according to the organizers.

Out of 997 projects in Latin America, 17 architectural works—predominantly for collective use—built in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Spain, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru, Portugal, Uruguay, and Venezuela were awarded.

Goma Oficina explores flexibility and translucency with the Gife Pavilion

The Gife Pavilion was designed as an exhibition display for the Gife Exhibition, on view at CCSP in September of this year. Beyond its installation at the Cultural Center, the solution had to accommodate a traveling setup in different configurations that could adapt to new venues, which were still undecided at the time of the design. At the same time, it needed to be well integrated into the context of CCSP. 

Find out which Brazilian and Portuguese projects were selected for the XI BIAU

The XI Ibero-American Biennial of Architecture and Urbanism, which will take place in Paraguay, has just released the list of projects selected to participate in the exhibition. The selection was made by committees appointed by each country. In Brazil, those responsible are: UNA Arquitetos (curators), Carlos Eduardo Comas, Fernando Luiz Lara, Guilah Naslavsky, Guilherme Wisnik, Luciano Margotto, Naia Alban, Otávio Leonídio, and Paulo Henrique Paranhos. In Portugal, the selection was overseen by: Paulo David (curator), Ana Pedro Ferreira, and Pedro Maria Ribeiro. See the complete list of selected projects below.

Pueri Domus Bilingual School / Perkins&Will

Pueri Domus Bilingual School / Perkins&Will - More Images+ 25

  • Architects: Perkins&Will
  • Area Area of this architecture project Area:  1500
  • Year Completion year of this architecture project Year:  2020
  • Manufacturers Brands with products used in this architecture project
    Manufacturers:  Tarkett, Crosslam

Casa Loft Office / IT'S Informov

Casa Loft Office / IT'S Informov - More Images+ 24

  • Architects: IT'S Informov
  • Area Area of this architecture project Area:  925
  • Year Completion year of this architecture project Year:  2020
  • Manufacturers Brands with products used in this architecture project
    Manufacturers:  Flexform, Tarkett, Desso, Insight

When Architecture Moves: Kinetic Design and the Rituals of Space

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For centuries, architecture has been defined by unmoving permanence. A building is assumed to be fixed, its walls and foundation immobile in space. A growing number of architects are now challenging this assumption by incorporating movement into the very fabric and tectonic structures of buildings.

When roofs hinge, walls slide, and entire structures respond to their occupants, something remarkable happens: the architectural spaces become an active component of daily rituals. These moments of opening, closing, shifting, and translating spaces ground buildings in the present moment and demand active engagement from users. The architecture becomes less of an object or a monument and more of a choreography of participation.

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House Píer / Sergio Sampaio Archi + Tectônica

House Píer / Sergio Sampaio Archi + Tectônica - More Images+ 33

Avaré, Brazil
  • Area Area of this architecture project Area:  1300
  • Year Completion year of this architecture project Year:  2022
  • Manufacturers Brands with products used in this architecture project
    Manufacturers:  Way Engenharia

Before and After Renovations: Changes in Architectural Plans

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One of Paulo Mendes da Rocha's main design gestures in the Pinacoteca renovation project was to create a new longitudinal axis for circulation, moving its entrance to the south face of the building. Metallic walkways, which cross internal courtyards covered by skylights, enable new dynamics of circulation between the rooms, transforming a neoclassical building into a museum with a contemporary program.

The ability to completely renovate a space by demolishing parts, making additions, altering functionality, and improving ambience is one of the most admired functions of the architect. In housing, this significance is even more apparent, since adapting housing to contemporary demands, through a well-thought-out plan, can drastically improve the quality of life of the occupants.

Multifunctional Stairs: 9 Options to Take Advantage of Vertical Circulation Space

On other occasions, we have written about how to design stairs and calculate their dimensions. We have also collected references from Portuguese projects that demonstrate the versatility of wooden staircases. Today, we present some of our best examples highlighting the multifunctional potential of staircases in interior spaces.

Multifunctional Stairs: 9 Options to Take Advantage of Vertical Circulation Space - More Images+ 12

Reading Spaces: The Book as an Architectural Element

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Reading Spaces: The Book as an Architectural Element - Featured Image
Vac-Library / Farming Architects. Image © Thai Thach, Viet Dung An

Far beyond basic training, reading is a leisure activity that is part of modern society. Whether outdoors, in squares and parks, at home or even at work, this habit, which improves reasoning ability and mental health, already had large spaces dedicated to books in palaces and mansions. We selected 15 projects that demonstrate the different ways of integrating reading at different scales and architectural programs.

Reading Spaces: The Book as an Architectural Element - More Images+ 11

Small Cafe Designs: 30 Aspirational Examples in Plan & Section

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Small Cafe Designs: 30 Aspirational Examples in Plan & Section - More Images+ 84

The interior design of a coffee shop can make-or-break an establishment. With an inviting design, you can transform drinking a simple cup of coffee into a wonderful experience. However, when you only have a few square meters and various machines and properties to distribute, finding an efficient configuration is not easy.

Tamboré Jaguariúna Complex / FGMF

Tamboré Jaguariúna Complex / FGMF - Recreation & Training
© Rafaela Netto

Tamboré Jaguariúna Complex / FGMF - More Images+ 10

  • Architects: FGMF
  • Area Area of this architecture project Area:  6880
  • Year Completion year of this architecture project Year:  2019
  • Manufacturers Brands with products used in this architecture project
    Manufacturers:  Pau Pau, Protecnica, Solarium

How to Use Different Types of Floors in the Same Environment?

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The floor is one of the largest areas of coverage of an environment, and therefore, its choice goes through several criteria related to both aesthetic and visual identity issues, as well as technical issues of resistance and maintenance. It is common to use different floors for areas with different uses and often this transition is not marked by walls or doors. Next, we will bring you tips on how to make this transition harmoniously when there is no physical boundary between the floors.

How to Use Different Types of Floors in the Same Environment? - More Images+ 11