Trends Magazine interviews João Vieira: “I’ve worked on projects in more than 25 different countries and every project is unique”

Original Publication: Trends Magazine

talking to:

JOÃO VIEIRA

T Maria Cruz

“I’ve worked on projects in more than 25 different countries and every project is unique”

Contact with architectural maquettes took over his free time from an early age. He learnt to “read projects” and understand “their three-dimensional representation” from very young. It was only to be expected that he would make architecture his profession. João Vieira graduated from the Lusíada University of Porto. He taught at the AHO (Oslo School of Architecture and Design). He has spent time in Denmark, Holland, Norway, the United States and Brazil. In 2021, he moved to Lisbon, where he founded Studio JV – he has more than 80 projects under development, across his offices in Lisbon, Recife and Rotterdam. He now has over 20 years of experience and, as always, maintains his attentive, strategic and rigorous approach to every creation.

Have you always dreamed of architecture?

I started getting involved with architecture very early, at the age of 16. A relative had an architectural model company, and I helped make the models in my free time and on weekends. So, I began learning to read projects and understand their three-dimensional representation very early on.

With João Vieira at the helm, the studio has developed projects for various countries. Among the places where you have seen projects come to life with your signature, which one has impressed you the most?

Architectural work varies greatly from country to country. During my experience working in other firms, I have completed projects in over 25 countries, and each project is unique. Through our office, we have been working in Brazil for 13 years and I have been involved in many projects across different states with very diverse scales and programs. I enjoy working in Brazil for its energy and ambition. In Portugal, we work on different types of projects, but we have several ongoing ones with which I strongly identify, particularly those with high sustainability and complexity expectations. Architecture is made for people, and it is the cultural care that seduces me when working on international projects.

How many projects does Studio JV have in its portfolio? Are there any particular ones that stand out at the moment?

Currently, we have approximately 80 projects in progress at the office in Portugal and Brazil. I would highlight the wooden projects and those with very interesting sustainability indexes. The reality of architecture in Portugal is changing significantly, and we have the privilege of being involved in very relevant projects from north to south. All are special, but I particularly like the industrial project we are doing for Kozowood Industries in Esposende, as it is a new program for us and a project that produces all the raw material for many other projects we have in development. “Farm to Table, Factory to Site.”

Is it more challenging to design and create a new project from scratch or to rehabilitate an existing one?

The vast majority of projects in Europe are in the field of rehabilitation; however, most of our projects are new constructions. A rehabilitation project has different constraints that a new project does not. For us, the most important thing is to understand the expectations of each project and contribute with intelligence and communication with other stakeholders.

Architecture requires delicate care in how it is communicated and built, as it is a long and patient process. Our role is to orchestrate this process in a creative, technical, and chronological manner.

Does architecture increasingly contribute to sustainability, the environment, and social issues, which requires greater responsibility from architects? Has it become more challenging to practice architecture?

Sustainability transcends architecture. It is a fundamental contribution, and architecture is just one reality. It is important to understand the available options and tools and work with a vision that allows us to do more with the same. To invigorate challenges and translate problems into opportunities. Only this daily attitude allows us to be involved in projects of significant interest across different scales.

Is it easy to choose materials for the type of client that seeks your studio? What do you consider most when choosing?

The materials we use vary greatly from project to project. Regarding structural materials, we always suggest wood for its sustainable component and like to work with natural finishing materials, both for internal and external solutions. Our clients, when they approach us, want something relevant and harmonious, and agree that the use of natural materials completely changes the perception of the project. Our clients are very much partners and understand that these solutions come from a long partnership, with a lot of trust and initiative in presenting various solutions.

With many years of experience, do you feel that your maturity and knowledge make you more comfortable when you pick up a pencil and paper to design a new project?

Certainly. Today the repertoire is extensive, and the blank page is not intimidating (laughs). The first idea is the most interesting moment because we know that many more will follow. Our work process is like a funnel. At the beginning, we explore various solutions and then select those that best meet the project’s needs to ultimately arrive at the most coherent solution.

Is there a project you would still like to design?

More than the program or the scale, I appreciate the vision of the project. Today’s world demands reflection on how we live and work, and in most cases, we can do the same much better.

I am interested in the creative industrialization of architecture and how we use technology, gradually, to achieve this desire. In Portugal, we still live in a very traditional process, but I am optimistic that this will evolve significantly in the coming years. We have professionals and stakeholders with great vision, and I am confident that we will take the right steps in the very near future.