Minas Gerais: The Latest Architecture and News

The Canadian Centre for Architecture (CCA) launched a documentary and exhibition, "With an Acre", the third and final chapter of the series Groundwork, which explores how contemporary architects cultivate alternative modes of practice to address the ecological crisis. The documentary follows the work of architect Carla Juaçaba in Minas Gerais, Brazil, where she is developing pavilions in a coffee field where collectives resist extractive industrial agriculture. The narrative examines the role of architects in extractivist contexts facing land regeneration challenges and unstable climatic conditions, as well as the tools smallholder farmers can use to cope with the environmental and social consequences of colonial settlement, urbanization, and industrialization.

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Videos

With the heightening of ecological and social crises all around the world, architects have had to re-evaluate their role, impact, and design approach. As the "new needs" of people arise, new architectural processes must be explored to answer them. However, this still comes with much resistance from the standing practices and push for financial gain that often makes it difficult to implement more comprehensive solutions. These notions led the CCA (Canadian Center for Architecture) to launch their new 3-part film and exhibit series called " Groundwork", curated by the associate director, Francesco Garutti. Through this project, the CCA selected and followed three renowned contemporary architects/practices as they developed their concepts and field research, which allowed them to engage respectfully with their site and residing communities. It's an up close and personal look into what motivates the selected architects to examine alternative ways of designing and the challenges they go through as the three parallel stories unfold.

The first exhibit opening and movie screening was held in May 2024, followed by an in-conversation event with the program curator and architect, where the question of "What is architecture today" was discussed. The exhibit and its many showcased elements, channels visitors along to the first site exploration with DnA's Xu Tiantian as she ventures "Into the Island" of Meizhou, China, in the summer of 2022.

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In the study of architectural history, one noticeable pattern is the apparent oscillation between different styles and languages. When a more restrained trend dominates, the subsequent one often reverts to more ornate motifs, and vice versa. It's crucial to acknowledge that this perceived 'flow' is only an impression; historical reality is invariably more intricate than records suggest, and the dominance of one style over another is an interpretation made by historians looking back from a future perspective. The Baroque style is a notable example of this phenomenon.

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Brazilian Firm GPA&A was unanimously chosen by a panel of judges to design the new Administrative Center for Belo Horizonte – the capital of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The judging commission selected the firm’s proposal because of its attention to accessibility, sustainability, and the quality of architectural and landscaping features. The transparent building features a bikeway leading to the top floor and is integrated with the metro and bus rapid transit systems. For more information and images, continue after the break.

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