Articles by Susanna Moreira

Centered on the development of architectural projects in favelas and peripheries, the work of Coletivo LEVANTE showcases a deep sensitivity to the unique characteristics and nuances of these environments. According to the group, “the recognition of what already exists and is attributed with values lived and earned by the favela residents — landscapes, constructions, identities, and relationships” is what they seek as the raw material for their projects. This approach is evident in projects such as Centro Cultural Lá da Favelinha and House in Pomar do Cafezal, winner of the 2023 Building of the Year Award by ArchDaily.

In a noble residential sector in Brasília, this residence is part of an architectural ensemble to be built on a farm. It is a large enough area to construct four residences on plots of approximately 2,000m² each, in addition to the common-use area with access roads, sidewalks, squares, and generous landscaped green areas. 

The Maria Flor Inn is a boutique hotel with 12 rooms, located on the island of Fernando de Noronha, a Natural World Heritage (UNESCO, 2001). The project is the result of the collaboration between Priscilla Muller Studio and Solo Arquitetos, and it was conceived as a sponge of its context, seeking to absorb and integrate architecture and nature in a subtle, respectful and responsible way. The main proposal was to keep the guests aware of their stay on one of the most beautiful islands on the planet at every moment.

Concept

There is a recent rediscovery of the potential of small buildings in São Paulo. Their proximity to the street and the tree canopy enhances and intensifies the relationship between residents and the city so that those who inhabit them feel more at home than in an apartment. 

The Casa do Olhar, signed by Tati Tavares and Alex Dalcin, is located in Goiânia/GO, and was created for a young couple who are starting their family. They are lovers of social life, love receiving friends and family, and value every shared moment. Therefore, they were looking for a house that was not just a shelter, but a place where they could live new experiences and create memories. 

The MCZ House was designed with the premise that all areas of the house should open up to the view.

The Center of Reference for Artisanal Cheese (CRQA) is a cultural space that brings together products and experiences related to one of the great assets of our gastronomy – cheese – gathering qualified teachers, researchers, and technicians. 

Designing Fonte das Perdizes house was quite a different challenge, as the program demanded a contemporary modern shaped house, fully integrated into Alentejo’s rough natural landscape.

A corner suburban plot for a one level suburban house. A misshapen parcel dictated a few offsets and alignments, a typical array of bedrooms suggested a grid of sorts, a split of private and public was to be ensured. Following that, the roof is tilted, the perimeter wall is curved, the main division is broken—the house is played out within three gestures. Secondary spaces find their ways behind the stepped line, producing a series of exceptions, while a laundry room jumps out of its perimeter and becomes a tower.