Production studies: TF/TK and the reduced model

Participants of the IAUUSP dissemination course "Experimental vaults of Sérgio Ferro"

Project development: Brazil

This panel presents an excerpt from the international project TF/TK – Translating Ferro / Transforming Knowledge into Architecture, Design and Work, a Brazil-UK initiative dedicated to creating and consolidating the field of Production Studies. Inspired by the critical thinking of architect Sérgio Ferro, the project investigates the relationship between conception and execution in architecture, questioning the historical separation between design and construction site and valuing labor and construction knowledge.

The exhibition brings together three main themes: the trajectory of TF/TK and its contribution to the international dissemination of Ferro's ideas; a brief introduction to the first two experimental houses he built in the early 1960s, which explored new construction solutions and forms of on-site production; and the scaled-down model of the Bernardo Issler House, produced in 2025 at IAU-USP as a pedagogical practice linked to Production Studies.

In the case of the model, the pedagogical aspect takes center stage: it was conceived not as a simple formal representation of the house, but as a tool for investigation and collective learning. By reconstructing the original construction logic of the Bernardo Issler House on a reduced scale, participants were led to discuss the political issues involved, as well as the technical and material choices. Each assembly gesture became a reflection on the project and the work, bringing the teaching practice closer to the construction site.

More than a formal synthesis, the reduced model presented here becomes a pedagogical artifact: a learning and critical device that invites us to rethink architectural training from the construction process. Incorporated as an instrument of a pedagogy of production, it materializes concepts, articulates knowledge, encourages dialogue, and points to other teaching possibilities—less hierarchical, more cooperative, and closer to the material reality of architectural practice.

We are immensely grateful to Sérgio Ferro and family and Bernardo Issler and family for the collections made available; to the participants in the workshops and dissemination courses; to the technicians at IAU-USP; and to the research support institutions.

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

TODAY (10/13)

13.10 – activity Pantanal Action at IABsp

IN THE NEXT DAYS (14 to 19.10)

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

14.10 | 15h – Biomaterials Mini-Workshops at the Living Lab

14.10 | 17h – Biomaterials Mini-Workshops at the Living Lab

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

10/15 | 10am – For an Anti-Racist Adaptation

15.10 | 2pm – workshop senseBox:bike: bikes and data with open technologies

15.10 | 3pm – Academic Meetings: Escola da Cidade talks with the curators

15.10 | 3pm – workshop Sustainable studio: jewelry and accessories made from recycled plastic at the Living Lab

15.10 | 6pm – Technical assistance to communities in Bahia

10/15 | 8:00 PM – activity Cine Fluxo Cart in the Mauá Occupation

10/16 | 10am – Presidents' Forum CAU/SP

16.10 | 3pm – Biomaterials Mini-Workshops at the Living Lab

16.10 | 17h – Biomaterials Mini-Workshops at the Living Lab

16.10 | 6pm – table Revive the Center with Eduardo Paes (Mayor of Rio de Janeiro and president of the National Front of Mayors), Alê Youssef (former Secretary of Culture of São Paulo), Marta Moreira (partner at the MMBB office) 

16.10 – activity Urgent Overview! Visit to the Paraisópolis Complex

17.10 | 10am – table Citizen Science in Climate Adaptation

17.10 | 2pm – table Black Women for Climate: Strengthening Urban Peripheries 

17.10 | 15:30 – table Territorial climate action and justice

17.10 | 6pm – table Living Periphery

18.10 | 10am – table Taking action for climate adaptation from the Public Authorities

18.10 | 10am – workshop Design marathon to communicate fair, resilient and low-carbon cities

18.10 | 2pm – table Achieving decarbonization and resilience in the built environment

18.10 | 3pm – Alfredo Sirkis Piratininga Park Book Launch – Nature, Innovation and Socio-Environmental Justice

18.10 | 4pm – Publication Launch of the II Climate Emergency and City Seminar

18.10 | 6pm – Closing Session of the 14th BIAsp – Paths to the Future

18.10 | 19:30 – International Schools Competition Award at the 14th International Architecture Biennial 

19.10 | 5pm – activity Urgent Panorama! Visit to the Panorama Lab project in Jardim Panorama 

19.10 – TRIBUTE TO ARCHITECT KONGJIAN YU

JOIN! IT'S ALL FREE!

The Biennial is open 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.