Trading room

Eduardo Gurian, Guilherme Pardini, Cristiano Ramos, Rafael Trigo

Project implementation: Brazil
Project development: Brazil

Imagine an ephemeral artifact. Architectural, yes, but fleeting. A body erected in time, a space suspended between extremes—where the environment ceases to be merely a setting and becomes a character.

What's at stake? What agreements must be made so that life can continue in this world as we know it?

How can we bring to the table simple yet meaningful words: generosity, empathy, commitment, respect, and a common goal?

How can we reconnect with nature? How can we allow man-made things to bend to the power of nature?

To achieve this, we draw symbols. We imagine a concentric space that invites us to the center, that attracts us.

A contained, intimate interior, proportions that embrace, limits that mirror.

But not clear mirrors—blurred, diffuse reflections, where faces are lost and presences mingle. A suggestion that we are not alone. That the other inhabits us.

There are two accesses. Two doors. Two possible crossings.

Both interrupted. Both pointing to sides of the same whole.

A divided space — symmetrical and mirrored.

In the center, a table. A barrier and a meeting point. An invitation to conversation. A place of dispute.

Upon it rests a restrained, controlled nature.

It will be the agenda. It will be evidence.

Above, an artificial sky. The dome of the Palace of Arts, where light comes not from the sun, but from a constructed will.

This nature, trapped in the time of this artifact, provokes. Resists. Depends.

Who will take care of her? Who will bear the responsibility?

What's at stake in this room? What's being negotiated in this room?

We thank everyone who participated and visited the 14th São Paulo International Architecture Biennial, from September 18 to October 19, 2025

NOTE OF CONDOLENCE

With deep sorrow, the Brazilian Institute of Architects – São Paulo Department (IABsp) mourns the passing of architect and landscape architect Kongjian Yu, a global leader in ecological urbanism, and the members of his team who accompanied him, tragically killed during the filming of a documentary. The institute is honored to have had him as a participant in the 14th São Paulo International Architecture Biennial, where his transformative vision strengthened the dialogue between global challenges and local realities. IABsp emphasizes that Yu's contribution, which transcends borders, will remain an inspiration for generations and expresses its condolences to China, to the families of all the deceased, to his friends, and to all those impacted by his genius and dedication. Read the full note here.