integrating digital tools with vernacular construction methods

escola da floresta

type: digital tools + vernacular construction workshop
role: tutor assistant
collaboration: Association Visiting School Amazon
location: Escola da Floresta, Alter do Chao, Para, Brazil
year: 2024

The escola da floresta was part of an immersive experience in the Tapajós forest, where I participated as a tutor assistant in the Inhabiting the Anthropocene workshop. Organised by the Architectural Association Visiting School, the workshop was led by Marko Brajovic and Nacho Marti and coordinated by Penélope Casalderey. My role involved developing the pavilion’s parametric design, assisting in its construction, and supporting students in the master plan development.

The workshop brought together participants from Brazil, China, England, India, Colombia, and Russia to explore ways to expand and innovate the Escola da Floresta at Alter do Chão, a vital educational space in the Amazon. It began with open discussions and expert talks on regional architecture, ecology, Indigenous territories, bioeconomy, fibre-based architectural techniques, and Forest Cities. Special guests included Hipócrates Chalkidis, Lalai Boarari, and Claudio Mendes.

We also participated in weaving and natural dyeing workshops with the Coroca community before shifting focus to the master plan for Escola da Floresta. This was followed by designing and fabricating a parametric cabin prototype built entirely from natural curuá fibre. The pavilion was developed using computational tools while incorporating the ancestral construction techniques of Jacú and Gregg Borari, which were essential to the project’s execution.

Integrating digital tools with vernacular construction methods was a fundamental aspect of this experience. This shaped the prototype’s modular system and seamless connection to the broader master plan for Escola da Floresta.

design process

The project was developed using Grasshopper, a parametric plugin for Rhino that allows for the exploration of multiple typological variations within the same design and construction system. This approach ensures greater flexibility and efficiency throughout the creative process.

Focusing on pod-like shelters, the design merges parametric strategies with bioconstruction, using a high-low fabrication approach. These shelters are:

  • Low-budget & Biodegradable – Built with biomaterials for an efficient, low-impact construction.
  • Community-Driven – Designed with materials and techniques familiar to local communities, encouraging local engagement.
  • Scalable – The modular system allows for different sizes and shapes depending on spatial needs.
  • Multifunctional – Adaptable for various uses, from private spaces like bedrooms to communal hubs for learning, spiritual practices, meetings, and more.

master plan

layout

construction process

First, the four central arches are positioned on a wooden deck supported by stilts on the ground. At the top, they are tied with a rigid circular element, which holds them in their final position.
The secondary arches extend from the main structure. They are connected to the four central arches’ axes using sisal ropes, forming a temporary fixation that new ribs from the same palm tree will later replace.
Then, this process is repeated once more to position the external arches. The angle and height of the arches vary. 
As the ‘flower’ of the structure opens, the arches’ angle relative to the floor decreases.
After assembling the arches in their final position, the structure is reinforced by using new ribs horizontally to embrace the arches 
together.
The roofing process uses strips of dried palm leaves, proceeding from bottom to top, with each new layer overlapping the previous one by approximately 20 centimetres.
Four points support the shelter, which creates a versatile free space with multiple access options that allow flexible implementation within the forest.

final result

team

Led Tutors: Nacho Marti and Marko Brajovic
Coordinator: Penelope Casas de Rey
Parametric Modeling: Camila Calegari Marques
Local constructors: Jacu and Gregg Borari
Participants: Anderson Penha, Fabio Chica, Kristina Shalygina, Larissa Potenza, Madge, Paulla Mattos, Rishika Choudri, and Ruchitha Ravilla
Special guests: Hipócrates Chalkidis, Lalai Boarari, Claudio Mendes
Photos: Bruno Ferrucio

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