FIRST PRIZE WINNER!
Caio Simonetti
Brazil
My name is Caio Simonetti. I am Brazilian, born in the city of Campinas in the state of São Paulo. I am 27 years old. I studied Architecture at Fundação Armando Alvares Penteado, located in the city of São Paulo. I have an MBA in the management of an architecture office. Today, I work in my own architecture office called Ettori, focused on residential projects. I also work with furniture and lighting design.
Interview with the Winner
Design Concept & Sustainable Innovation
The concept sought 2 purposes, to create an autonomous model that, in some way, could help to preserve the araucaria forest. It is, for itself, a problem to solve, so the movement Off the grid gave us a chance to, instead of destroying the nature, make it an essential part for our living, this way; The project was designed to use local properties to its advantage, and not treat them as obstacles. And for that, there were many challenges like, how to integrate project and nature, how to use the wind, how to access, etc…
Sustainability is not just using eco-friendly materials, it is thinking about how to use sustainable materials that the region can provide. After all, the production and transport of materials are also very polluting. Showing that, by using sustainable materials, it is possible to create architecture with elegance and functionality, even in small spaces and unusual places. This way, people will realize that quality and sustainability can go hand in hand and choose to preserve our home.
Design Process
The design was thought to use the environment to its advantage, utilizing the strong trunks and winds of the southern forest.
Initially, the project was static and had to be completely redone, as the house needed to move according to the position of the wind to produce energy.
It was necessary to use pulleys and gear systems, to enable movement by a single person, in order to drastically reduce the weight, it was necessary to use a light and hollow metal structure.
Impact and Benefits
I wanted the design to instigate new ways of living in people, outside the city, together, and not to the detriment of nature, so it was thought to be autonomous and create new ways of capturing individual energy, without depending on mega structures of power generation.
Advice for Aspiring Designers
Keep in mind that your work can literally save the world, because today there is no greater urgency than the fight against climate change and pollution.
The key factor is always the context in which the work is inserted. For example, what is the meaning of the painting "Liberty leading the people" without the French revolution? He would become just another pretty picture.
With architecture it is not and will not be different, after all, both are art.
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