Amilton Arruda

O design contemporâneo está no centro de um paradoxo: enquanto contribui para um modelo de produção insustentável, que prioriza o lucro em detrimento do bem-estar social e ambiental, também possui o potencial de ser uma força transformadora na promoção da sustentabilidade. Este artigo analisa os impactos negativos do design voltado para o mercado, como a obsolescência programada e a exploração de recursos naturais, e explora abordagens inovadoras, como o design social, a economia circular e o design thinking. Com dados atualizados e casos reais, propõe-se uma reavaliação da educação em design e das políticas públicas, visando um futuro mais equitativo e regenerativo.

This article explores the integration of biomimicry principles with 3D printing technology for the construction of habitable artifacts through the development of the innovative TECLA system. Initially, it is based on an analysis of the theoretical concepts underlying the imitation of natural processes to enhance efficiency and sustainability in the construction industry. Following this, the practical implementation of this approach is presented, which is based on computational modeling and prototype experiments. The results demonstrate that the TECLA system is capable of replicating nature-inspired structures in an economical, sustainable, and adaptable manner, providing significant improvements in resource optimization and cost reduction. The study concludes by highlighting the transformative potential of this integration, while also suggesting future directions to expand the widespread application of this technology.

The article aimed to identify parameters of biophilia in the built environment, focusing on social housing projects, through the application of the 14 biophilic design patterns. The incorporation of these elements aimed to understand their positive influence on the quality of life and well-being of the residents of these dwellings. For this, bibliographic research was carried out, analyzing previous works that align with the same objectives, which served as a basis for the analysis and identification of specific parameters related to the interaction between human beings, nature and the built environment. In the quantitative analysis, a bibliometric approach was adopted, reviewing the existing literature in articles, dissertations and theses. The systematic review protocol followed the guidelines of the PRISMA Comprehensive Review for Scoping Review, conducting the review with previously defined procedures. This methodology allowed for a comprehensive and detailed analysis, identifying the specific parameters of the interaction between humans, nature and the built environment in social housing projects.

O design contemporâneo enfrenta um paradoxo: enquanto contribui para um modelo de produção insustentável, também possui o potencial de promover a sustentabilidade. Este artigo analisa os impactos negativos do design voltado para o mercado, como a obsolescência programada e a exploração de recursos naturais, e explora abordagens inovadoras, como o design social, a economia circular e o design thinking. Com dados atualizados e casos reais, propõe-se uma reavaliação da educação em design e das políticas públicas, visando um futuro mais equitativo e regenerativo. A análise revela que a integração da sustentabilidade no ensino de design é essencial para formar profissionais conscientes e capacitados para enfrentar os desafios socioambientais. Projetos como o Precious Plastic e o Design for Change demonstram que soluções locais e participativas podem ter impacto global, inspirando mudanças em larga escala. Conclui-se que o design pode ser uma força transformadora, desde que adote uma abordagem sistémica e responsável.

The influence of sound on the behaviour of organisms and ecosystems presents underexplored opportunities for bioinspired architecture. This paper introduces three design principles that translate bioacoustic processes into spatial strategies: Sonic Biophilia, which enhances interactions among species, soundscape, and the built environment; Translocated Sound Memory, which brings soundscapes from distinct geographical origins to foster affective connections between places; and Multisensory Sonic Inclusion, which converts sound into visual or tactile stimuli, thereby broadening accessibility for neurodiverse and sensory-diverse populations. Each principle is structured through a discussion of natural systems relevant to the proposed strategy and its architectural correspondences, grounded in an interdisciplinary systematic literature review and supported by selected case studies. The resulting framework expands the scope of bio-architecture from morpho-functional analogies to sensorial and ecological dimensions, offering a basis for built environments that support biodiversity, collective memory, and perceptual equity. This work is intended as a reference for researchers and practitioners seeking to integrate sound, nature, and synaesthesia into architectural practice. Furthermore, it provides both conceptual and operational foundations while outlining future pathways for articulating these principles with the development of tested design guidelines.

This paper investigates the integration of thermo-responsive materials into bio-inspired structures, combining biomimicry and adaptive technologies in architecture. A problem-based biomimetic approach and a morphological analogy with the plate-type snowflake—known for its lightness, transparency, and crystalline organisation—were adopted to develop the geometry of an architectural pavilion. This research highlights glass as a main constructive material, analysing the potential of thermochromic film and the hydrogel technique, both inserted in the context of thermo-responsiveness. In this regard, the focus is on adaptations to temperature changes, exploring how these materials can alter their properties in response to solar incidence, offering solutions for energy efficiency, thermal regulation, and environmental adaptation. The pavilion demonstrates that this integration is feasible, and this is supported by an interdisciplinary approach that combines materials science, bio-inspired design, and practical experimentation. It also highlights biomimicry’s fundamental role as a tool for guiding the development of innovative architectural geometries, while thermo-responsive materials expand the possibilities for creating structures that are adaptable to temperature variations and solar exposure. The conclusion points to the applicability and relevance of this combination, highlighting the transformative potential of thermo-responsive materials in architectural projects, especially in the development of lightweight, transparent, and environmentally responsive structures.

To help mitigate climate change, it is essential to consider the importance of façade glazing in promoting energy efficiency and thermal comfort. This article carries out a qualitative analysis of two projects, starting with the identification of the envelopes as a starting point, followed by the choice of glass typologies and, finally, a comparative analysis focusing on the reduction of solar exposure in internal spaces. The first project analyzed is the Jack H. Miller Center - USA, which received LEED certification, while the second, the Unibra University Center - BR, required interventions after its completion. The studies show that the application of thermochromic films can help improve thermal comfort.

The paper proposes the story of an experience of research and experimentation in the field of upcycling the tuff, a natural and iconic material for the city of Naples, demonstrating how the intelligence of nature understood as an integrated system of porosity, ribbing, stratifications, colors can be used by design as a vehicle to communicate the identity of a place and its history.