The Fabric of Time

AzulPitanga

Project implementation: Brazil
Project development: Brazil

The AzulPitanga pavilion emerges from the contrast between the rigor of industrial production and the delicacy of manual labor. Its structure is defined by a modular 1x1 meter grid, which repeats until it forms a 4x4 meter space, supported by 2.10 meter-high steel rebar pillars. This regular, industrial, and rational grid supports planes of hand-woven banana fibers, which run through the structure in different directions. The weaves vary in density and opacity, filtering light, marking paths, and creating permeable surfaces that give the space a vibrant texture.

The spatiality is organized based on an unconventional duality: the covered perimeter forms a shaded and protected "outside," while the uncovered center reveals the void as an "inside," open to light and expanded vision. At the heart of the pavilion, a mechanical tower clock introduces the dimension of time. Winding, it must be activated periodically during the exhibition. Thus, it marks industrial time, the time of nature, and the time of craftsmanship—times that here intersect in the same spatial fabric.
The fiber lining the pavilion is produced by Fibrarte, an artisans' association from Missão Velha, Ceará, Brazil's eighth-largest banana producer. Fibrarte transforms what would otherwise be banana waste into raw materials. The mechanical clock was installed by Geraldo Freire of Metalúrgica Freire in Juazeiro do Norte, a leading manufacturer and maintainer of clocks and tower bells.

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.