Boundaries: Exploring the Limits of Architecture

As architectural students, we are constantly challenged with the boundaries of our craft. From regulations to social norms, advancing technologies to ecological limits, we are faced with a myriad of factors that shape our designs. This year’s theme for INDESEM 2023 is “Boundaries,” and it couldn’t be more relevant.

But here’s the thing: while these factors are important, they should not be the heart of architecture. Our creativity should not be limited to the challenge of ticking the correct box and solving problems. We should dare to look beyond the physical and social boundaries of our field, beyond the limits of our materials, technological design tools, and ecological constraints. We should ask ourselves: what can we add to these fundamentals? How can we use these boundaries to grow and expand, rather than limit ourselves?

For designers, sustainability, technology, and regulations are basic conditions, the fundamental stepping stones of how we begin a design. But architecture is not merely about ticking off a checklist. It’s about understanding how to build for future generations, and how to use these fundamental aspects of architecture to add value and expand beyond them. We should use them as opportunities to grow and innovate. To do this, we must embrace new ideas and challenge traditional ways of thinking. We must reimagine these boundaries and push the limits of what we thought was possible.

The concept of boundaries in architecture theory and practice is multifaceted and can take on different meanings depending on context. While boundaries are an integral part of the architectural design process, knowledge of construction techniques, and the creation of built environments, they are also dynamic and can be used as a catalyst for creative thinking. Boundaries in architecture serve as a driving force for the development and evolution of the field.

This is why INDESEM 2023 is such an important event. It offers a platform for students and experts to engage in discussions and workshops to expand their understanding of these boundaries and develop innovative solutions that challenge conventional thinking. By embracing these boundaries as opportunities for creativity and innovation, architects and urban designers can create notable designs that positively impact society and the environment.

So, let us come together and transcend these boundaries. Let us inspire each other to think outside the box, and create something exceptional. The future of architecture depends on it.