Design Strategies in Vilanova Artigas’ Architecture and the Essential Role of the Vertical Section

Abstract

João Batista Vilanova Artigas played an important role in modern architecture in São Paulo, especially in the 1950s and 1960s. This research started with the drawings from the collection of the designs selected in the Digital Library of FAUUSP. The (re)discover of stored drawings brought to light the unknown universe of unbuilt designs of this important Brazilian architect and his contribution to modern cultural heritage. We realized that, to analyze his architecture, it would be essential to fully understand the role of the vertical section. A set of procedures was adopted: (i) after careful observation of the drawings, 12 unbuilt projects were selected; (ii) the selected projects were analyzed; (iii) these projects were redrawn in 2D; (iv) 3D modelling and simulations were made; (v) design strategies identification. The redrawing and digital models enabled the visualization and analysis of buildings that so far remained unknown. The results allowed us to confirm the mastery of manipulation of the potential of vertical section in Artigas architecture design both during the design process, its representation and analysis. The analysis revealed eight design strategies that could be more comprehensive by the vertical section analysis. Based on the investigation of unknown unbuilt projects using new digital technologies, the original contribution of this article is to demonstrate design strategies and highlight the fundamental role of vertical section as an instrument of fundamental importance in the analysis of Artigas’ architecture.