Donata Interview - Bloco Architecture

In 2021, we interviewed Henrique Coutinho, one of the founding partners of BLOCO ARQUITETURA. The architecture website Archdaily, in a recent selection in Latin America, places the Brazilian office among the best contemporary architects in the world. The office was founded in Brasília by Daniel Mangabeira, Henrique Coutinho and Matheus Seco. The three lead a team of architects with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and interests.

How do you perceive the innovations in coatings within architecture and what are your observations about this segment?

The coating market in Brazil changes a lot, every year the factories launch new products and this, in a way, influences the projects. Our office opts for specifying natural materials, and even if it is synthetic, it must show its own characteristics and never be an imitation of another material. We believe that as a matter of sustainability the products should have a longer useful life. Materials such as DONATA have this characteristic.

Our materials follow a very important premise, the reuse of natural waste to compose pieces that inspire nature. How do you evaluate and explore the reuse of materials and natural residues in the midst of modern architecture?

This is fundamental to have a more rational and simple architecture, materials with these premises make the projects more perennial, and this is what we believe in.

For you, what is the role of architecture in the current scenario?

Architecture has to play a protagonist role in the changes of this new time, we have to take the responsibility to transform the cities for the better, even if it is in small projects and for a private audience. Small architectural kindnesses can have a big impact on people lives.

How would you describe your inspiration and creative process for the composition of the project where you used DONATA?

We chose to use DONATA products because we wanted a material that rescued characteristics of modern architecture, so present here in Brasilia. Another importantcharacteristic was the possibility of customizing the product, which was fundamental for the success of the project.

What caught your attention and how was your experience with our product?

The possibility of making floor, wall and countertops with the same product was great. The waterproofing process in manufacturing also gave us a lot of security in specifying DONATA. The experience was very positive and I believe we have a great partner for our future projects.

How does the office use and discover craft materials to compose the projects?

The office research work is constant, and this is part of the professional evolution we have achieved. Besides research, the close contact with the manufacturer and also with the supplier gives us subsidies to correctly specify a product.

What is the importance of craftsmanship to enrich the environments?

A good choice, and in our case, the use of little diversity, create perennial spaces that will have a longer and more sustainable lifespan. A building has to last a lifetime.

Learn more about O BLOCO architecture at https://www.bloco.arq.br.