VIRTUAL Barcelona
Abstract
Nowadays, and especially in the construction sector, we are facing challenges related to demographic, economic or environmental problems. Examples are the population increase and consequently migration flows, the rising cost of living, especially in the housing sector and the climate change. At this point, buildings, as the main component of the built environment, are contantly being tested in order to respond to this problems. However, current models still being designed as a rigid, fixed and mono-functional structures that do not allow any kind of regeneration. Based on rigid matrices compartmentalization, where the classic model of the traditional family remains. That said, the need for flexibility and adaptability in housing has become fundamental, and is an essential feature of architecture, considering the emergence of a new domesticy based on the automation of the individuality of the inhabitants and the discontinuous construction of the habitat. The main inlfuencers responsible for the development of the sector still produce based on a obsolete linear model of production/demolition, in wich natural resources are disposed in an unsustainable way. Designing reversibility construction systems and materials, not only allows the concept of “looping”, with environmental advantages, but also unleashes multiple social benefits. In this sense, it is essential to develop new construction systems based on modularity and prefabrication (in wood), wich can serve as an alternative to existing systems, capable of respond not only to the environmental and construction challenges of the industry, but also to the needs of current housing models, allowing for greater flexibility and adaptability of the habitat.
Rui Ferreira, Architect (2018, School of Architecture, Art and Design, University of Minho (EAAD-UM). Since then (2018-2023) worked as a researcher on Study Center of EAAD-UM participating in different nature projects and scales, from the redesign of public space (Taipas Civic Centre Redevelopment Project, in Guimarães), the refurbishment of heritage buildings (Rehabilitation of the Arquinho and Alto Factory, in Guimarães) and the support of exhibitions and books publishing. Is currently a PhD student at EAAD-UM (since October 2023), and a researcher at the Investigation Project R2U – Timber Modular System.
Carlos Maia, Architect (1995, Faculdade de Arquitetura Universidade do Porto – FAUP, Porto), with a Master’s in Urbanism (1997, Escola Técnica Superior de Arquitectura de Barcelona, Universidade Politécnica de Catalunya – ETSAB-UPC, Barcelona), a Master’s in Landscape Architecture (1998, Escola Técnica Superior de Arquitectura de Barcelona, Universidade Politécnica de Catalunya – ETSAB-UPC, Universidade de Girona -UG, Girona), and a PhD (2018, Escola Arquitetura, Arte e Design da Universidade do Minho -EAAD_UM, Guimarães), thesis awarded by the Associação Portuguesa para a Reabilitação Urbana e Proteção do Património – APRUPP. He is a researcher of the LAB2PT an R&D unit of the University of Minho, and at the Investigation Project R2U – Timber Modular System; and a Professor at the EAAD_UM, where coordinated since 2006 different Design and Theory Disciplines related to Design Projects on Architecture, Building, and Construction Technology. With Marta Labastida founded, in 2000, Labastida&Maia, architects, together have worked on projects with different scopes and scales; mainly focused on themes of restoration of the built heritage, housing, and design of public space and landscape.
Cláudio Meireis, Architect (2022, School of Architecture, Art, and Design, University of Minho – EAAD_UM) with an internship at PROD Arquitetura & Design (2022-2023). Currently pursuing a PhD at EAAD_UM under the MIT Portugal Program scholarship (since January 2023) in Sustainable Cities. Also engaged as a researcher at the Investigation Project R2U – Timber Modular Systems. Interest in construction and sustainability, with a focus on building envelopes and wood.