Rícino C - 14ᵃ Bienal Internacional de Arquitetura de São Paulo

Project implementation: Brazil
Project development: Brazil

Interest in new materials has guided the research and practice of Estúdio RAIN, which since 2019 has been dedicated to researching plant resin derived from castor oil.

Initially, the studio focused on experimenting with the biomaterial, seeking to expand its use beyond its traditional application as a thin-layer varnish. The goal was to enable the molding of large volumes of the material. This phase resulted in amber-toned light filters—the resin's natural color. Subsequently, the material's purity was challenged by the introduction of air during the curing process. The increased bubble content gave the resin a whitish, translucent appearance, enabling the development of organically shaped foam membranes used as light diffusers.

The Rícino C series represents a third advancement in this research. In it, plant-based polymers are combined with natural aggregates to create composite materials. Organic and mineral elements—such as flowers, fruits, roots, algae, seeds, and rocks—are incorporated into the resin, resulting in surfaces with different textures, densities, and hues, which can be applied to various functions.

Amidst this plurality, the presence of the granule is the unifying factor. It concentrates the material's intrinsic information, defining its visual and technical characteristics. The granule, however, does not exist in isolation: its essence manifests itself in accumulation—whether by dispersing and coloring the resin, or by sedimenting and conferring hardness and opacity.

Exploring new possibilities, a collection of orthogonal lines was created that highlight the material's enigmatic character. Robust and silent, almost monolithic volumes are articulated through visible joints, revealing connections. The Rícino C series expresses the organic nature of the plant-based polymer and its capacity for transformation, highlighting the material's versatility and beauty.

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.

Castor oil C

Rain Studio