Short Bio
Filipe Afonso is an Oporto based architect and researcher. In 2006 he founded Arquitectos Anónimos®, an architectural studio that organizes an opened space stimulating the work as a kind of an individual supplanting, reacting in the contemporary Portuguese context of the exaggerated weight of authorship “individuality”. In this sense Filipe has been developing a methodology for his architectural practice based on advanced computation as a strategy to design possible architectures, trying to focus more on processes that in the individual genius.
Filipe Afonso holds a Master of Architecture from the Universitat Internacional de Catalunya (Barcelona-Spain) in 2009 within the theme “Programming Architecture”, a research on the articulation of emerging material systems for architecture, exploring novel design methodology and performances based on computation and bio-computation. Filipe also studied through international programs promoted by Massachusetts Institute of Technology and University of Texas at Austin.
His understanding of architectural practice as a problem of engineering material organization focuses his research on the development of an integral and coherent design approach at the intersection of architecture, sustainability, engineering and computation in the endeavor to develop generative systems applied to his architectural production under Arquitectos Anónimos studio.
He worked independently from 2001 to 2006 and, among other projects, he has designed and built the Cultural Centre of Ílhavo. He is an award-winning architect and educator.
He has taken part to several exhibitions, lectures and workshops and has been published widely. Recently he was an assistant professor at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. He has taught design studios and master classes from 2010 to the present days at the School of Arts and Design, ESAD (Porto), Lusophone University of Humanities Technologies (Lisbon), Universidade Lusofona Porto and at University Innsbruck, Institut fur Gestaltung. He has been an invited critic, guest lecturer, and keynote speaker at various institutions in Portugal, Austria, Australia, Netherland, Bulgaria, Slovenia, United States, South Korea and China.
Publications
Publications:
Afonso, F. et al (2016). Cork matters: towards new applications of cork agglomerates in architecture and product design. In Fifty years later: Revisiting the Role of Architectural Science in Design & Practice. Paper presented at the Proceedings of the 50th International Conference of the Architectural Science Association. Adelaide: The University of Adelaide, School of Architecture and Built Environment.
Afonso, F. & Jedenov, K. (2016). Tactics developed in times of economic crisis applied in design studios. In Research Based Education. Paper presented at the Proceedings of the International Conference of the Association of Architectural Educators. London: The Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL.
Afonso, F. & Jedenov, K. (2016). Urban Species. In Architectural Research Addressing Societal Challenges. Paper presented at the Proceedings of the 10th EAAE-ARCC International Conference on Architectural Research. Lisbon: Faculty of Architecture, University of Lisbon and Portuguese Foundation for the Science and Technology.
Afonso, F. & Jedenov, K. (2015). Coding Randomness: accepting unpredictability in modular systems through the use of computation. In Living and Learning: research for a better built environment. Paper presented at the Proceedings of the 49th International Conference of the Architectural Science Association. Melbourne: The University of Melbourne, School of Design.
Afonso, F., Azenha, M. & Gomes, C. (2014). Aplicação de algoritmos generativos e estratégias de otimização de formas na conceção estrutural (application of generative algorithms and form-optimization strategies in the conception of engineering strutures). Paper presented at the 5th Meeting of Structural Engineering Portugal (5 Jornadas Portuguesa de Engenharia de Estruturas), organized by LNEC, 16 pgs. Lisbon, Portugal, 2014.11.26.
Afonso, F. (2011). Genetic Weapons. In Bridges, Math, Art. Paper presented at the Proceedings of the Bridges International Conference. Coimbra: The University of Coimbra, Portugal.
Afonso, F. & Jedenov, K. Crisis as the new normal: Preparing architecture students for uncertainty in social, economic and ecological dynamics. Journal article in Charrette: the Journal of the Association of Architectural Educators. Charrette 4(1) Spring 2017.
Research:
Principal Investigator at the project Potentials for the design of an agglomerated cork non-standard modular façade system applied to high-rise construction . Direct Grant from Faculty of Social Science, Chinese University of Hong Kong. 2016. Project Number - SS15869) sponsored by CUHK Research Committee Funding (Direct Grants) during the period 2016-05-01 to 2017-05-01.
Principal Investigator at the project Cork Matters: Towards New Applications of Cork Agglomerates in Architecture Industry in Hong Kong . Direct Grant from Faculty of Social Science, Chinese University of Hong Kong. 2015. Project Number - SS15465 sponsored by Research Committee's One-off Funding for Direct Grants during the period 2015-09-14 to 2016-03-11.
Co-Investigator at the project UrbanCrete: Reinforced concrete with non metallic fibers for application in Urban Furniture . ISISE Institute, Minho University, Portugal. Financed by European Union: Project Number - 2013 / 030367. Main Tasks (not exclusive): Development of Urban furniture design according to optimization and higher performance strategies. Development of Digital Technologies and Generative Design & Performance in Structural Engineering.
Co-Investigator at the project Nuspa: agglomerated cork applications in industrial design. GRANORTE Cork Industries, Porto, Portugal. Financed by Granorte Cork Industries. Main Tasks (not exclusive): Computational design and programing of parametric design objects. This project was awarded with:
2015, Winner of APCOR prize in Innovation on Cork Industry . Co-authorship with Simple Forms Design Studio and Granorte. Computational design by Filipe Afonso.
2015, Winner of iF Design Award . Co-authorship with Simple Forms Design Studio and Granorte. For over 60 years, the iF DESIGN AWARD has been recognized the world over as a label of design excellence. The iF logo is an internationally established symbol identifying outstanding achievements in design.
2015, Winner of Green Good Design award . Co-authorship with Simple Forms Design Studio and Granorte. This is the seventh year of this very specialized edition of the original GOOD DESIGN™ program, which was founded in Chicago in 1950 by Eero Saarinen, Charles and Ray Eames, and Edgar Kaufmann.
Modules
Year 1 Bachelor
This module ensures that all students have the conceptual and technical knowledge and have had adequate practice to competently sketch in both two and three dimensions. This module explains the theory and practice of sketching and interpreting views of three dimensional objects, including prespective, isometric, orthographic and other projections and sectioning. It also introduces students to technical standards in engineering drawings, including the specification of symmetry; dimensions, surfaces and tolerances; chamfers and blends; sections and standard parts. Students work through a structured series of problems to sketch increasingly complex objects and interpret complex drawings, including the calculation of feature dimensions based on geometric analysis.
This module will encourage students to see, think and speak in the visual language of three-dimensional models and art. Students will concentrate on the application of three-dimensional concepts, through the direct manipulation of materials using a broad approach to tools and processes. Although this is a studio course module focusing primarily on specific projects and group critiques, in an effort to develop critical thinking, a portion of time will be spent on slide lectures, films, readings and discussion. Some time will also be given over to the safe and proper use of hand tools, power tools and equipment. The module considers both hand worked (clay, polystyrene, balsa wood, MDF, etc)and machine made (stereo-lithography, etc) models. As part of the module, students hand made models for at least two different products and one machine made model.
This module introduces students to the concepts and techniques of computer-based software tools used to draw images and construct virtual models of two- and three-dimensional objects and spaces. Line (wireframe), surface, and solid modeling will be studied.
Drawing is the fundamental language that designers in different fields use to communicate their design ideas to clients, manufacturers, builders, and others. This module uses a lecture/lab format, in which topics are presented by lecturers, then drawing assignments are completed by students. The assignments range from freehand sketching to technical drawing and orthographic projection. Students will also be introduced to the use of drafting tools and basic design drawing procedures.
This module is an introduction to digital fabrication technologies applied in architecture and design fields. It will awaken and enhance students’ ability to three‐dimensionally present spatial and formal solutions, with a focus on rapid prototyping and material experimentation. Using physical models to test and explore design solutions should be any architect or designer’s primary tool, along with drawing and research. In the past, model making was mostly outsource to specialized companies with all its limitations in time, cost and interpretation. Digital fabrication technologies provide an opportunity for architects and designers to take over their digital plans and empower them to control the full process from the digital design to the physical model.
Year 2 Bachelor
This module introduces to structures and construction technology in which there is a focus on materials and reinforced concrete construction. The subject aims to: progressively introduce structural principles and modeling relevant to architectural design and building construction; introduce a framework for understanding the properties and environmental impact of fundamental building materials and how they are used within the construction industry; introduce case studies of reinforced concrete buildings and other structures to help students develop an intuitive understanding of structure and materials. Environmental issues relating to architecture and building construction are emphasized.
This module is an introduction to architectural principles and processes, comprising a sequence of exercises emphasizing the development of basic skills, ideas, and techniques used in the design of simplified projects. It forms a comprehensive introduction to the foundation studies of architecture, addressing the issues essential to the training of an architect. The aim is to develop architectural literacy, improve critical and analytical skills, enhance visual, spatial, and conceptual sensibilities with emphasis on the presentation of ideas, concepts, and present designs in visual and verbal formats.
This module will examine computer-based parametric design systems and their applications and implications for architecture. Through a series of lectures and guided design exercises, students will be introduced to the theoretical background of parametric systems and their usage in practice. Historical precedents of specific architectural typologies will be examined to initiate a critical dialogue between physical constraints and digital design. Various techniques will be deployed in order to generate parametrically driven prototypes with the capacity to produce innovative architectural structures.
Continuing from Architectural design I, this module forms a comprehensive introduction to the foundation studies of architecture, addressing the issues essential to the training of an architect. Using small building design projects, the aim is to develop architectural literacy, improve critical and analytical skills, to enhance visual, spatial, and conceptual sensibilities with emphasis on the presentation of ideas, concepts, and to present designs in visual as well as verbal formats.
Year 3 Bachelor
This module introduces students to a range of advanced construction approaches and techniques, and to the issues and technologies that are important when constructing buildings and other structures in environmentally sustainable and sensitive ways, and for managing the ongoing internal situation in buildings to minimize environmental their impacts.
Architectural Studio V&VI: Special Integrative year including design issues related to housing.
This module lets students explore approaches and techniques in interior design and furniture. Examples of interior design and furniture from different genres and parts of the world are analyzed to identify their strengths and weaknesses from different perspectives, including aesthetic, stylistic, cultural, ergonomic and usage patterns. Students also work through a progressively more complex series of interior design and furniture projects, according to realistic client briefs.
Interior Design - LAR211 / LDS306
Continuing from Architectural design III, this module focuses on environmental and spatial considerations with emphasis on the integration of building technology in design and the use of digital media in conceptualizing and presenting design ideas. The module aims at developing an awareness of building within community environments, and the ability to apply a distinctive architectural language. Particular attention will be paid to architectural character and context.
Year 4 Bachelor
This module introduces students to the electricity, lighting, heating, ventilation and air-conditioning, water and sewerage, telephone and Internet, security and other infrastructure and systems that must be incorporated within the design of most buildings. Modern approaches to building management and control and the integrated provision of infrastructure are considered. Specific design considerations, such as building codes, and tools and techniques for designing building infrastructure are examined in detail.
Architectural Studio VII&VIII: Selected areas of specialization; three projects chosen with advisement from a variety of studio offerings that concentrate on different areas of vital concern.
