Take the blue pill, I won't
bother
you with details, the story
ends.
Take the red pill and I'll show you how deep the rabbit hole goes.
I don't know what you
mean.
I'm an architect. I've graduated in architecture in 2007. I've completed a Masters in 2010
with a dissertation on architectural platforms on the WWW. I've completed a Post-graduation
in Urban Forms and Dynamics in 2012 and then started a PhD on Urbanism, which I'm desperately currently finishing (ETA: March 2021).
I have multidisciplinary knowledge across several fields – architecture, urban design,
photography, illustration, architectural visualization and webdevelopment – and experience
on research, teaching and practice – in teams or as a freelancer.
I believe that working across disciplines with creativity and method is the best way to
solve our increasingly complex contemporary challenges.
Two things may explain everything: when I was a kid I liked to draw a lot (architect cliché
I know...) and an uncle gave me his ZX Spectrum 128K +2 (which came with a BASIC programming
language manual) after buying an IBM x86. So I spend my middle-school times drawing, playing
and programming on my Speccy (i.e. messing with the BASIC manual examples).
In high-school I had to make a decision and went to an Arts-orientated school. I wanted
to draw and design things, and I knew FAUP was known for its drawing classes. To draw is to
imagine, to imagine is to design.
Attended FAUP between 2000-2007 and graduated in Architecture. During that time I
rediscovered my passion for computers when I had to use CAD, 3D modelling and rendering and
other software to create and communicate my designs. Then I left the academia and
collaborated as
an architect in an architectural practice.
In 2010 I applied to a grant on a EU-funded R&D Project that aimed to create a digital
platform on the
WWW as a communications hub for architects, engineeers and builders. I got selected and
during almost 3 years I interacted with web engineers during the development of the plaform.
I seriously began learning frontend languages like HTML, CSS and JavaScript and, later,
backend languages like PHP and mySQL and doing my own developments.
I was also assisting CAD and Photography classes in FAUP, interacting with students,
teaching some things and learing a lot others. This began my interest in photography as a
tool to represent architecture and territory, which I started doing with my DSLR. I currenly
own around 8-10 different lenses and each one has its own personality. It's a very
interesting field.
In 2010 I also completed
my Master's with a dissertation on architectural platforms on the WWW, combining
architecture and technology: it was the perfect
storm.
In 2012 I started a PhD on urbanism and, one year later, I was lucky enough to get a
national grant to fund my research. I was integrated as a researcher into FAUP's research
center (CEAU) in two groups: Center for Communication and Representation of Architeture and
Urban Morphologies and Dynamics. Learned GIS and, with my background in programming, webGIS
as well.
From 2013 onwards I learned that teaching was a great way to learn. I was invited as
assistant teacher in FAUP and lectured CAAD-related disciplines to 3rd year students until
2016. In 2017 I started lecturing a REVIT introductory course in FAUP which takes place 2x a
year. I often write scientific articles or participate in scientific events.
Around 2015 I started, together with some good friend, the City.making project, which was
funded through EU under the SOUL-FI program and was a test case for an emerging smart-cities
technology (FiWare). We've developed a working prototype of a web platform aiming to put in
close relation all urban actors from a city with the intent to promote temporary uses from
left-over or vacant spaces.
Outside
academia I also began teaching practical courses on CAD and 3D modeling on an accredited
training center focused on computer-driven digital design tools - FLAG; began my freelance
activity
as webdeveloper, having developed several websites with a particular interest on those
related to art and creativity (artists portfolios, cultural events, congresses and seminars,
etc.); began my freelance activity as architectural visualizer using "traditional" methods
but looking forward, as we speak, to the future – realtime realtracing engines (I've started
playing with Unreal Engine but my PhD doesn't allow me yet to dedicate myself fully). This
reminds me I still have to get into generative and parametric 3D modelling (I'm a Rhino guy,
and Grasshopper is just around the corner...).
Between 2017 and 2019 I've collaborated with an architectural practice and helped implement
a BIM methodology by using REVIT. BIM is still slowing being implemented in my country,
overall.
2019 and beyond I am fully comitted to finishing my PhD, which is expected to happen by
March 2021. It will include, besided the thesis, a webGIS platform with my research and a
photographic project.
And this is pretty much the whole story. What the future will reserve is still a mistery,
but one thing is for sure: I would like to keep using all these different sets of skill
learned thorought the time. There is so much more yet to be learned.
I TRULLY believe that working across disciplines with creativity and method is the best way
to
solve our increasingly complex contemporary challenges.
One of my latest REVIT models which combined a bit of everything:
pre-existences, new architecture, urban design (roads, sidewalks...), landscape design and a steep
topography. BIM software is often accused of being "dull". Not necessarily.
in collaboration with JCC Architects
One of my latest REVIT models which combined a bit of everything:
pre-existences, new architecture, urban design (roads, sidewalks...), landscape design and a
steep topography. BIM software is often accused of being "dull". Not necessarily.
in collaboration with JCC Architects
Despite several interior and exterior close-up shots, the urban
insertion was the most
challenging and fulfilling image.
architecture by TPF Planège Cenor
commissioned by TPF Planège Cenor
Despite several interior and exterir close-up shots, the urban
insertion was the most
challenging and fulfilling image.
architecture by TPF Planège Cenor
commissioned by TPF Planège Cenor
No, it's not a physical model, but the idea was to look like one.
This was based on an existing REVIT model.
architecture by JCC Architects
in collaboration with JCC Architects
No, it's not a physical model, but the idea was to look like one.
This was based on an existing REVIT model.
architecture by JCC Architects
in collaboration with JCC Architects
Teaching REVIT basics while wondering
"why are we still on BIM infancy when it was invented on the 60's?"
commissioned by Porto School of Architecture
Teaching REVIT basics while wondering
"why are we still on BIM infancy when it was invented on the 60's?"
commissioned by Porto School of Architecture
Or how can 5th year urbanism students create a 3D model from
contours using free tools and therefore get better grades. *
commissioned by Porto School of Architecture
* not mandatory
Or how can 5th year urbanism students create a 3D model from
contours using free tools and therefore get better grades. *
commissioned by Porto School of Architecture
* not mandatory
Documentary photography of some of the School's
spaces. It's incredible how there are still things to discover in the most familiar
places.
commissioned by Porto School of Architecture
published in FRAME Masterclass: Architecture & DOMUS
#982
Documentary photography of some of the School's
spaces. It's incredible how there are still things to discover in the most familiar
places.
commissioned by Porto School of Architecture
published in FRAME Masterclass: Architecture & DOMUS
#982
Documentary photography: diffused settlements in NW
Portugal. This has a close relation to my PhD's scope, which focuses on this "kind" of
places.
exhibited in Colectivo 10-11 Gallery, Porto
(to be) published in my PhD thesis
Documentary photography: diffused settlements in NW
Portugal. This has a close relation to my PhD's scope, which focuses on this "kind" of
places.
exhibited in Colectivo 10-11 Gallery, Porto
(to be) published in my PhD thesis
Six maps: Cascais urban evolution over the XV-XX
centuries. The best of this experience? Working with the incredible and most human teacher
I've
encountered as a student.
commissioned by Prof. J. Quintão (FAUP)
published in magazine Monumentos #31
Six maps: Cascais urban evolution over the XV-XX
centuries. The best of this experience? Working with the incredible and most human teacher
I've
encountered as a student.
commissioned by Prof. J. Quintão (FAUP)
published in magazine Monumentos #31
Revealing the geometry and mathematics of Serra do Pilar monastery
in V.N. Gaia, Portugal.
commissioned by Prof. J.P. Xavier (FAUP)
Revealing the geometry and mathematics of Serra do Pilar monastery
in V.N. Gaia, Portugal.
commissioned by Prof. J.P. Xavier (FAUP)
Drawing of a live model, pencil on paper. I must admit: I was an average
student as far as handdrawing was concerned (I'm more computer-oriented). But, if I may, this one
turned out pretty good.
student work
Drawing of a live model, pencil on paper. I must admit: I was an
average
student as far as handdrawing was concerned (I'm more computer-oriented). But, if I may,
this one
turned out pretty good.
student work
ADOBE wanted to celebrate transdisciplinary artists and asked
several creatives around the world to depict themselves through self-portraits and a catchphrase.
This was my
contribution: a self-portrait built from a collage of my work back then.
commissioned by Goodby Silverstein and Partners NY &
Adobe
ADOBE wanted to celebrate transdisciplinary artists and asked
several creatives around the world to depict themselves through self-portraits and a
catchphrase. This was my
contribution: a self-portrait built from a collage of my work back then.
commissioned by Goodby Silverstein and Partners NY &
Adobe
Website developed for the portuguese illustrator Marta
Vilarinho to showcase her work. When the content is great it's easier to create a good-looking
website.
commissioned by Marta Vilarinho
webdesign by my good and professional friends at À Capucha!
Website developed for the portuguese illustrator Marta
Vilarinho to showcase her work. When the content is great it's easier to create a
good-looking website.
commissioned by Marta Vilarinho
webdesign by my good and professional friends at À Capucha!
Website developed for the portuguese illustrator Ana
Aragão. It's not that I have a thing for portuguese illustrators. But again, Ana's work is so
beautifull that I had to showcase it.
commissioned by Ana Aragão
webdesign by my good and professional friends at À Capucha!
Website developed for the portuguese illustrator Ana
Aragão. It's not that I have a thing for portuguese illustrators. But again, Ana's work is
so
beautifull that I had to showcase it.
commissioned by Ana Aragão
webdesign by my good and professional friends at À
Capucha!
Website developed for the FiGAIA International Multidisciplinary Arts
Forum, held back in the days when people could come together, combining philosophy, poetry, theater,
music, arts, literature and so many other great things.
commissioned by Gaia Municipality (Portugal)
webdesign by my good and professional friends at À
Capucha!
Website developed for the FiGAIA International Multidisciplinary
Arts
Forum, held back in the days when people could come together, combining philosophy, poetry,
theater,
music, arts, literature and so many other great things.
commissioned by Gaia Municipality (Portugal)
webdesign by my good and professional friends at À
Capucha!
You can find me roaming around these (and other non disclosed) networks: