‘Swarming Futures’ explores the way innovation in design can be generated by large patchworks of inclusive collaboration and creative exchange

Recently appointed hosts of large international events, most notably the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Olympic Games, Brazilian cities have become a ground for speculation and intense scrutiny.

Designers, politicians, communities, businesses, participants and visitors are all agents and stakeholders in a massive swarm of interests and possibilities that will ultimately shape the cities and lives in Brazil’s near future.Curated by London-based architect Ricardo de Ostos, the exhibition explores how unique associations between mainstream and underground forces can open new fields for innovative buildings and city planning. The exhibition itself is an assemblage of diverse urban elements, including already built and yet to be built projects, from individual buildings to larger city scale projects. Aiming for fresh ideas, it displays projects that explore trans-disciplinary and spontaneous networks between the social, economic and cultural. Maverick cooperation and urban experiments in and for the city are uncertain, and at times unpredictable, but fundamental to encourage social progress.‘Swarming Futures’ brings together a cross-section of current, cutting-edge Brazilian architectural proposals. Selected projects include large infrastructural interventions, such as the Rio de Janeiro 2016 Olympic Park, designed by BCMF, as well as local and sensitive proposals by São Paulo practice MMBB.The inventive Brazilian-French architects Triptyque display their well-known ecological projects alongside new and exciting experiments. Strengthening the speculative vein of the exhibition theme, Vazio S/A present their hyper-critical project 'The Ultimate Skyscraper' which discusses the impact of large scale commercial developments, while additional features investigate innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration in the contemporary scene of Brazilian architecture.

SYMPOSIUM

(Saturday 26 June, 11am-1.30 / 2.30-5pm)

Following the exhibition opening, on 26 June, there will be an all-day symposium with invited guests from Brazil and abroad, providing an invaluable opportunity to discuss new partnerships not only amongst designers but also between different welcoming cities across Brazil and the world.

Morning session: Guillaume Sibaud (Triptyque), Ellie Stathaki (Wallpaper*), Carlos Teixeira (Vazio S/A) and Abraham Thomas (Architecture Curator, V&A)

Afternoon session: Bruno Campos (BCMF), Eleanor Fawcett (Design for London) and Marta Moreira (MMBB)

*Attendance is free, but booking is essential: gallery32@brazil.org.uk