Carmodésica - T02 - 14ᵃ Bienal Internacional de Arquitetura de São Paulo

Project development: Brazil

As their final project, the second class of the postgraduate course “Wooden Architecture: Design and Technology” at the Madeira Center, in partnership with the Institute of Technological Research (IPT), developed a prototype of a geodesic structure, named “Carmodésica”.

To develop a lightweight and functional pavilion, the goal was to create a simple yet efficient structure capable of spanning large spans using small, modular, interconnected parts. The idea was that these parts could be manufactured rationally, allowing for easy assembly, disassembly, and transportation, optimizing available resources.

The project emerged as a way to deepen the study of modular wood construction systems, with an emphasis on the use of triangular geometries. 135 curved wooden slats were produced, glued, and pressed in a specific mold, forming 45 triangular modules. These structural units are connected by 55 specially designed and machined metal parts, with oblong holes that allow for small angle adjustments and enhance the flexibility and adaptability of the structure as a whole.

The veneers used are thin and flexible, yet strong, and their multi-layer bonding results in self-supporting elements with precise curvatures. The combination of engineered wood and metal connections offers a balance of strength, lightness, and adaptability.

The study developed by the class sought to fully explore the construction possibilities of glued laminated timber, proposing forms that challenge convention and emphasize the rational use of materials. The proposal also investigated how flexibility and modulation allow for varied spatial and aesthetic configurations.

This exercise allowed the creation of different geodesic pavilions from a single base structure, which can be assembled concave or convex, depending on the space's usage and context. This facilitates the creation of unique and innovative environments, based on solid geometric and structural principles, with a strong architectural and experimental appeal.

Participate in the program of debates, workshops and associated activities!

TODAY (10.10)

2:30 pm – table Risk-Free Periphery in the Context of Climate Change

4pm – table Knowing to Transform: Community Climate Risk Reduction and Adaptation Plans

6:30 pm – table Inclusive Adaptation: Nature-Based Solutions in the Peripheries

9am – Drawing Workshop: Oscar Niemeyer's Architecture in Ibirapuera Park and the Climate Challenge

IN THE NEXT DAYS (11 to 14.10)

ATTENTION the table Palmas: For 36 years, the ecological capital of Tocantins which would be held on 10/11 | 7pm was canceled.

11.10 and 12.10 | 9am – workshop Inventa(rio) Fronteiras: Playing for Multispecies Cities

11.10 | 10am – workshop Elémenterre teaching bag

11.10 | 11am – table Learning to inhabit the Anthropocene: the crisis of architecture

11.10 | 2pm – table Architecture for Learning and Civic Use

11.10 | 3pm – table Culture and Public Architecture

11.10 – 15h – workshop Elémenterre teaching bag

11.10 | 4pm – table Reconnecting with Nature & Circular Design

11.10 | 5pm – table Architecture of Belonging: Interpreting Heritage Through Place

12.10 | 10am – table Experience: Climate Refuges and Naturalized Public Spaces, with Eco-Neighborhood

12.10 | 10:30 am – table Childhoods and Climate: Climate Justice in Vulnerable Territories

12.10 | 10:30 am – Windsock Workshop with the Floating Collective

12.10 | 3pm – table Doing a lot with a little: architectures for a planet in transition with Esteban Benavides from Al Borde office

12.10 | 4:30 pm – table Earth – building a sustainable and democratic future

12.10 | 5:45 pm – table French presence at the Biennale and screening of the film AJAP – Albums of Young Architects and Landscape Architects

13.10 – activity Pantanal Action at IABsp

10/14 | 10am – table Urgent Panorama! Space as an act of permanence

14.10 | 6pm – Launch of the “Nature-Based Education” Guide

JOIN! IT'S ALL FREE!

And there's much more until October 19th!

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.

Carmodesica – T02

Class 02 of the Postgraduate Course “Wooden Architecture” of the Madeira Center/ IPT