Articles by Eduardo Souza

Saunas, originating over 2,000 years ago in Northern Europe, were initially developed as a method for body purification. In Finland, these spaces were revered for their cleanliness and often served as locations for childbirth. Rooted in Nordic traditions, saunas have traveled globally, carrying with them distinctive design elements such as abundant wood, clean lines, minimal ornamentation, and a stark aesthetic. Traditionally, they offered a serene environment with seating limited to simple straight benches, allowing users to either sit or lie down. This traditional model gained widespread acceptance, with its health benefits championed by medical professionals and its value recognized across various cultures.

Balancing functional and aesthetic elements in building design is a crucial but often complex task. This is because a built structure encompasses multiple functions, systems, materials, products, and requirements of all kinds. One critical aspect of spaces is acoustics, which can significantly influence usability and comfort and should never be neglected, especially in common areas like restaurants, convention centers, museums, and sports facilities. Good acoustics contribute to the well-being and productivity of occupants, while poor acoustics can cause stress, fatigue, and hearing damage. These issues can be caused by external noise, various sound sources, or impacts (such as footsteps, jumps, or furniture movements), as well as the reflection of sound waves within the environment itself, creating echoes and reverberations that compromise speech intelligibility.

Vernacular construction technologies are based on centuries of practical wisdom, refined through countless trials and errors. This process eliminates all irrelevant aspects, creating highly efficient and simple systems that are intrinsically adapted to the local climate and resources. These methods demonstrate how to conserve heat with minimal energy, offering valuable insights for modern buildings, promoting energy efficiency, and environmental harmony. In this article, we have already covered traditional passive cooling techniques, such as Persian wind towers and Arab mashrabiya. Now, we turn our focus to strategies applicable to cold climates, exploring effective solutions for heat retention and space heating.

Urban expansion and increasing population density have fuelled a growing demand for outdoor areas in multi-story apartments, as residents seek to stay connected with nature without leaving home. This trend reflects the challenges of modern urban life, where access to nature is often limited, and public green spaces are increasingly scarce. In this context, features like balconies, loggias, and winter gardens stand out as attractive solutions, offering private spaces for relaxation and enjoyment amidst the hustle of city life. In addition to enriching the urban experience, these spaces enhance the quality of life, providing a personal refuge amidst the urban landscape.

The term “pre-fabricated” may evoke images of standardized and repetitive  constructions, like the ones built after World War II when fast and affordable housing was a priority.. Today, however, the contemporary reality is quite different. With the advancement of technologies and construction methods, prefabrication has turned into a symbol of innovation, adaptability, and custom design. It allows the creation of multifunctional and flexible spaces that respond not only to practical needs but also to the aesthetic and sustainable demands of modern architecture. With cutting-edge materials and new technologies, prefabrication offers customized and adaptable solutions for modern living.

Fire is a primordial force of nature, possessing both destructive and protective power throughout human history. Capable of devastating landscapes, crops, and entire cities, it also provides heat, enables cooking, and is used to generate energy. This duality highlights the importance of balancing its use and control, especially in construction, where fire safety is crucial. Building codes for fire protection are strict, often complex and restrictive, but essential to ensure the safety of occupants.

Wood is undeniably an elegant choice for architectural projects, offering a natural and welcoming aesthetic that enhances any space. However, when exposed to the elements, this same wood demands a high level of maintenance. Sun, rain, and temperature variations can compromise its appearance and integrity over time, requiring regular care to preserve its original beauty. For many, this is the price to pay for the irreplaceable aesthetics of wood, but the search for alternatives that combine natural beauty with durability has grown, allowing the charm of wood to be enjoyed with less effort.

The primary function of an architecture event is to promote the exchange of knowledge, ideas, and innovations among professionals, students, and enthusiasts in the field. These events serve as platforms for discussing emerging trends, exploring new technologies, presenting innovative projects, and debating relevant issues that impact the future of the built environment. Additionally, they help foster networking, interdisciplinary collaboration, and often boost the professional development of participants, thereby strengthening the architectural community and its ability to influence society. This is the case with India’s Festival of Architecture and Interior Designing (FOAID), now in its 11th year, which continues to be a beacon of architectural discourse and innovation, bringing together the brightest minds from the design community. In partnership with CNBC TV18, the event attracts thousands of participants every year. In this new chapter, it will take place on November 22-23 at the NSIC Grounds in Okhla, New Delhi, and on December 20-21 at the Jio World Convention Center in Mumbai.

Cannabis has been widely used throughout human history for a variety of purposes: textiles, paper, food, medicine, biofuels, and even as a stigmatized recreational drug. Considered one of the first plants cultivated by humanity, its history spans millennia and often intertwines with the world of construction. Hemp, a variety of cannabis, has been an essential material in construction history, widely used for its exceptional strength and versatility in various applications, such as fiber production for reinforcement, thermal and acoustic insulation, and as a sustainable alternative in construction processes.

Marcelo Rosenbaum speaks with vivacity and excitement, reflecting his undeniable passion for what he does. His approach to architecture is marked by a proactive stance, leading him to travel to the most remote interiors of Brazil, often voluntarily. There, he listens carefully to local demands and seeks to develop projects that go beyond simple buildings, becoming instruments of transformation for the local reality. One of his best-known projects is in Tocantins, the Children’s Village on the Canuanã Farm, done in partnership with the Aleph Zero office, which has been recognized worldwide and won awards. On June 20, he closed the program of the AsBEA 2024 National Convention, whose theme was “Sustainable Roots,” held in Florianópolis, Brazil. We had the chance to talk to him about his professional career and some of his recent work.