Unsolicited Architecture in Recife

Recife might be known for its close historical ties with Holland, but to others it is known as one of the fastest economical growing areas in Brazil. This means a huge building potential but also large-scale urban problems, such as: infrastructure-problems, problems with public space and vacant buildings.

On July the 4th, The Netherlands Architecture Institute (NAi) has tried to tackle these problems with the exhibition Unsolicited Architecture, which first premiered at the International Architecture Biennale of São Paulo (November 2011) and later at Studio X Rio de Janeiro. Now it is on show at the State Museum of Pernambuco, where it was opened by the director general of the Dutch ministry of education, culture and science, Marjan Hammersma.

Apart from the exhibition, the NAi also organised a workshop on Unsolicited Architecture with local and Dutch architects. The results of the workshop will become part of the exhibition.

(photo: Architect Lula, of Officina O Norte conducting the opening ceremony of the Unsolicited Architecture exhibition in the State Museum of Pernanbuco, Recife)

by Jorn Konijn