São Paulo/SP
“’In project’ is the 11th Architecture Biennial’s theme. By questioning the meaning of the architecture project within the city, we propose an experimental discussion about the definition of project and its urban application.”
The 11th Architecture Biennial in São Paulo has selected architect Ana Mendes’ bachelor thesis, here under the name of Absence and Territory, to be part of the exhibition. The work focus on the building Wilton Paes de Almeida, planned by the French architect Roger Zmekhol and completed in 1961, a decade where Brazil’s modern architecture movement reached its peak.
This building, that survived through the many layers of urban tissue over time, has transformed itself into another element: a hybrid, a shelter, a manifesto.
During the 11th Biennial, held on December 2nd, 2017 in the SESC Parque Dom Pedro II, a video created by the office Vapor324 about the history of Wilton Paes de Almeida, proceeded a debate attended by architects and artists to discuss the architecture project, architectural heritage, graffiti and the occupation of this area.
11ª Bienal de Arquitetura - Ed. Wilton Paes de Almeida
Guests
Architects
Regina Meyer - Urbanism teacher at FAUUSP
Fernando de Melo Franco: Urbanist, former secretary of housing and urban development in São Paulo (2013/2016) during the administration of Mayor Fernando Haddad. Fernando was also the head of URBEM (Institute of Urbanism and Metropolis Studies)
Marta Moreira - Studio teacher at Escola da Cidade and partner at the architecture firm MMBB
Luís Felipe Abbud: Teacher at Escola da Cidade and partner at office Numena
Artists
Laymert Santos - UNICAMP teacher and curator of the exhibition "Dr. Pacheco: The Evil Metropolis", from the artist Rafael Augustaitiz
Rafael Augustaitiz - Artist, responsible for the graffiti "Opus 666" on Wilton Paes de Almeida's facade
Denise Zmekhol - filmmaker and Roger Zmekhol's daughter
Plinio Zukeran - Photographer, registered the life of refugees and homeless who are currently living in Wilton Paes de Almeida building