Although architecture itself is universal, the day-to-day practice still varies across the world, influenced by a wide range of factors, from the professional requirements and responsibilities of an architect, the local environment, history and building customs, to local priorities and challenges. In a hyper-connected world, where architecture seems to become more uniform, how do local contexts and characteristics shape the built environment? This article taps into the commonalities and the variations within the architecture profession.
Architecture as a Heterogenous Practice: What is to be an Architect Around the World
Structural Details As Seen in Courtyards
The distribution of natural light, improved ventilation, and the propensity to connect living spaces with the outdoors while maintaining the privacy of the inhabitants have made courtyards a go-to in architectural design around the world over the centuries.
Courtyards are characterized as outdoor or semi-outdoor spaces that are enclosed within the walls of a house or building.
House in the Trees / Estudio Aloras
Mulungu House / Venta Arquitetos + Mariana Meneguetti
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Architects: Mariana Meneguetti, Venta Arquitetos
- Area: 180 m²
- Year: 2018
Pitanga House / Estúdio BRA Arquitetura
Earth Box / Equipo de Arquitectura
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Architects: Equipo de Arquitectura
- Area: 45 m²
- Year: 2018
Elevated House / Venta Arquitetos
College of Architects Province of Córdoba/ Adolfo Mondejar + Pablo Mondejar + Dolores Gomez Macedo
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Architects: Adolfo Mondejar, Dolores Gomez Macedo, Pablo Mondejar
- Area: 2124 m²
- Year: 2019
Stone Houses in Uruguay: Interior and Exterior Designs
While stone has been used in construction since time immemorial, it's maintained its place in architecture thanks to its design capabilities, durability, and efficiency.
Natural Light in Kitchens: Overhead Illumination in Latin American Homes
Whether by traditional windows, linear openings in the wall, or skylights, the manipulation and incorporation of natural lighting in architectural projects can render a radical change in interior spaces.
Santiago Pradilla: "Most of What I Learned in University Doesn't Apply to Rural Housing Design"
Colombian artist and architect Santiago Pradilla captured my interest through his many passionate pursuits—he has dedicated as much of his life to traveling to and working within small, rural communities and as he has to producing architecture that tells the rich history of Colombian cities.
We discussed the relationship between academia, auto-construction, and rural living as well as the exploration of other artistic disciplines. We even breached the topic of the importance of heritage and projections about the direction of Colombian architecture.
Modico House / Atelier Branco Arquitetura
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Architects: Atelier Branco Arquitetura
- Area: 300 m²
- Year: 2019
Brick in Latin American Architecture: Hospitals and Health Centers
The focus of buildings should ultimately be the well-being of the people using them. When we think of our experiences in hospitals, clinics, the dentist's office, and other medical facilities, the feeling is rarely pleasant. Perhaps it's the smells, the dull, monotone colors, or the sound of medical gadgets working away on some unlucky patient.
Universidad Torcuato di Tella Edificio Sáenz Valiente / Josep Ferrando Architecture
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Architects: Josep Ferrando Architecture
- Area: 15000 m²
- Year: 2019