Carla Juaçaba set up her independent practice in Rio de Janeiro in 2000. Combining design and research, the Brazilian architect has turned her hand to everything from private residences to exhibition design. She also regularly lectures at high-profile institutions such as Harvard GSD, Columbia University GSAPP, and Accademia di Architettura di Mendrisio.
She considers her participation in the 2018 Venice Architecture Biennale with the Vatican Chapel for the Holy See Pavilion her breakthrough work. ‘It was a synthesis of a very old programme: you go to the chapel and you sit to look at the suffering: the cross. Translating a programme into space – this is architecture. And it was totally immersed in nature.’
Vatican Chapel, Holy See Pavilion
Carla Juaçaba on what drives her
Understanding how a space can be ‘political, democratic and essential’ is a key driver in Juaçaba’s practice. ‘A phrase by the Brazilian indigenous leader and writer Ailton Krenak, “step gently on the ground”, is on the wall of my design studio at Mendrisio Accademia. Architectural design should be understood as action over a territory. Architecture is not a drawing or a visual composition: each line, idea, or sketch of an architectonic design represents an action, a material transformation, and a geographical transformation. We should work together with other disciplines to build a landscape where nature, design and infrastructure coexist.’
Even though Frida Escobedo and Juaçaba haven’t had the chance to work together yet, their paths have crossed several times – at architecture events and at Harvard, for example. They are currently working on the same project in Switzerland, a Geneva scheme where architects and artists were called to design a series of temporary shelters.
Juaçaba is also currently working on a project with a strong social purpose in Brazil, designing a café, a museum on the history of coffee, and a school in a campus conceived to boost small farming businesses through agricultural tourism.
Vatican Chapel, Holy See Pavilion
INFORMATION
A version of this article appears in Wallpaper’s October 2021, 25th Anniversary Issue (W*270), on newsstands now and available to subscribers – 12 digital issues for $12/£12/€12.
Meet more creative leaders of the future nominated by architect Frida Escobedo here.
-
Vanessa Seward on her new vision for Begg x Co, the Scottish knitwear brand with over a century of historyAs the new creative director of Begg x Co, Parisian designer Vanessa Seward wants to harness the ‘beauty and quality’ of its knits to make it ‘the go-to luxury brand for Scottish cashmere’
-
This Salento monastery becomes the backdrop for a celebration of local craft‘Intrecci•Intertwinings’ (on view until 14 September 2025) features contemporary designs made from materials and techniques from the Salento region, also known as the ‘heel’ of Italy
-
Bathing is New York’s latest wellness obsession – Lore is making waves in the spaceOpening in NoHo this autumn, bathing club Lore is the hottest (and coldest) new spot for a plunge and sauna
-
Meet Rodrigo Oliveira, landscape architect to some of Brazil’s finest buildingsWe delve into Rodrigo Oliveira's naturalistic approach and explore his landscape architecture work, gracing buildings designed by some of Brazil's finest contemporary architects
-
A rammed-earth house near Brasília pairs the traditional technique with contemporary formsValéria Gontijo + Architects has completed Casa Taipa, pairing earthy tones and natural materials with refined design and a generous floorplan
-
Experience the profound power of the Brumadinho Memorial, honouring the victims of Brazil’s mining tragedyA deeply moving memorial by Gustavo Penna creates a space for collective mourning and remembrance in Brumadiño, Brazil
-
You will never believe this lush garden house is in the middle of Sao PauloThis garden house by Brazilian architecture studio Kika Camasmie is engulfed in greenery, bringing nature right in the heart of the metropolis of São Paulo
-
A dramatic Brazilian house on a hillside was inspired by the creative passions of its clientTetro Arquitetura has completed a contemporary Brazilian house, combining a linear plan with a dramatic curved roof
-
Tour a simple Brazilian forest retreat that's designed to dissolve into the treesThis humble vacation home by Arkitito Arquitetura was built to withstand weather — and errant pinecones
-
In Brazil’s Minas Gerais, Casa Koba is an ‘unserious’ house full of freedom and comfortA relaxed, high-altitude home is Estudio Haa's latest residential project; welcome to Casa Koba, a house designed for comfort and fun
-
A house near São Paulo combines Brazilian design, convivial living and a strong sense of privacyKG Studio’s JF Residence synthesises the best of contemporary Brazilian design, inside and out, to create a sleek set of spaces for entertaining and relaxing
