Architecture without Applause: The Manufactured Work of João Filgueiras Lima, Lelé
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Author
Date
2018Type
- Doctoral Thesis
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Abstract
This dissertation investigates the work and industrial thinking of João Filgueiras Lima – or simply Lelé (Rio de Janeiro, 1932 – Salvador, 2014) – within the context of the seven state-owned factories for precast building elements that he founded in Brazil over the course of 30 years of intense manufacturing activity (1979-2009). It aims to explore three interrelated levels of his architecture – factories, systems and components – as they constitute the fundamentals of his constructive approach, in terms of both conception and production. From the perspective of the architect acting beyond the scope of the designer, manufacturer and builder, this study seeks to portray how Lelé broadened the discipline throughout his practice. In view of an inconstant notion of industrialization – which would affect the way his precast plants were organized – it is argued that Lelé incorporated a strong manual dimension in his modus operandi. Thus, his compromises and convictions were paradoxically centered upon the combination of crafted and industrial ways of producing the technical object; ways that might prove less expensive and more efficient, given the community-oriented use of the structures concerned. The reason for conducting this study on Lelé is to re-evaluate his contribution through the prism of the operationalization of prefabricated architecture in a wider context; this will bring into question political, economic and social issues as determinants in his manufactured work. Show more
Permanent link
https://doi.org/10.3929/ethz-b-000301849Publication status
publishedExternal links
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Publisher
ETH ZurichSubject
Industrialized architecture; Building prefabrication; Construction history; Modern architecture; João Filgueiras Lima; Lelé; Brazil; FerrocementOrganisational unit
03715 - Stalder, Laurent / Stalder, Laurent
Notes
This publication is an outcome of the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship (FCS/ESKAS).More
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ETH Bibliography
yes
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