Art and Architecture Unveiled: Stories from the Creative Core

October 23, 2023


As we flipped through the pages of L'oeil, the renowned French art, culture, and inspiration magazine, we stumbled upon a captivating article titled "10 artistes portugais à suivre absolument!" (10 Portuguese artists to keep an eye on!). A wave of familiarity washed over us, brimming with pride as we reminisced about the dedication and hard work OTIIMA and Artworks collaborated on, laying the foundation for the realisation of numerous projects featured in the article.


Ao folhearmos as páginas da L'oeil, a famosa revista francesa de arte e cultura, deparamo-nos com um artigo fascinante, intitulado "10 artistes portugais à suivre absolument! (10 artistas portugueses a seguir com atenção!). Sentimos uma onda de familiaridade e orgulho ao recordar a dedicação e o trabalho árduo da colaboração entre a OTIIMA e a Artworks, que lançaram as bases para a realização de diversos projetos apresentados no artigo.


A symphony of creativity unfolds in the pulsating heart where art and architecture converge. It's a space where deep stories come to life, visionary artists, urban landscapes, and state-of-the-art materials collaborate to create installations beyond surface beauty. Join us on a captivating journey through the works of master artists whose collaborations with OTIIMA and ArtWorks have redefined the boundaries of artistic expression.


Uma sinfonia de criatividade desenrola-se onde a arte e a arquitetura convergem. É um espaço onde histórias profundas ganham vida e artistas visionários, paisagens urbanas e materiais de última geração colaboram para criar instalações que vão para além da beleza superficial. Junte-se a nós numa viagem apaixonante através das obras de artistas cujas colaborações com a OTIIMA e a ArtWorks redefiniram os limites da expressão artística.


 

Pedro Cabrita Reis: Redefining Urban Spaces


In the hands of Pedro Cabrita Reis, art and architecture intertwine smoothly. His collaborative ventures with OTIIMA and ArtWorks have created remarkable installations, such as "The Three Graces," a mesmerising fusion of cork, corten steel, and painting gracing the Tuileries Garden in Paris. His work transforms urban spaces into living canvases, echoing a dialogue between materials and surroundings. His creations have journeyed across the globe, adorning public and private collections internationally, including prestigious institutions such as the Louvre, Venice Biennale, X Bienal de Lyon, Gulbenkian, Tate Modern, Serralves, MAAT, S.M.A.K., Centre Pompidou, Culturgest, and many more.



Pedro Cabrita Reis: Redefinir Espaços Urbanos


Nas mãos de Pedro Cabrita Reis, a arte e a arquitetura entrelaçam-se delicadamente. Das suas colaborações com a OTIIMA e a ArtWorks nasceram instalações notáveis, como "As Três Graças", uma fusão de cortiça, aço corten e pintura, que adorna o Jardim de Tuileries, em Paris. O seu trabalho transforma espaços urbanos em telas vivas, proporcionando um diálogo entre os materiais e o meio envolvente. As suas criações têm viajado por todo o mundo, embelezando coleções públicas e privadas a nível internacional, incluindo instituições de prestígio como o Louvre, a Bienal de Veneza, a X Bienal de Lyon, a Gulbenkian, a Tate Modern, Serralves, o MAAT, a S.M.A.K., o Centre Pompidou, a Culturgest, entre muitas outras.



CABRITA, CENTRAL TEJO, 2018.

LOCATION → Central Tejo, Lisbon [PT]

MATERIALS & TECHNIQUES → Aluminium square tube, LED, electric cable


CABRITA, TRIBUTE TO COMENDADOR AMERICO AMORIM, 2020.

LOCATION → Mozelos

MATERIALS & TECHNIQUES → iron, laser cut


Installation

CABRITA, TRIBUTE TO COMENDADOR AMERICO AMORIM, 2020.

LOCATION → Mozelos

MATERIALS & TECHNIQUES → iron, laser cut


CABRITA, BASEL LINE, 2017.

LOCATION → Art Basel [CH]

MATERIALS & TECHNIQUES → Aluminium square tube, LED



Grada Kilomba: Deconstructing Historical Symbolism


Grada Kilomba, a luminary in confronting societal narratives, brings history to life through her work. Her inherently hybrid and experimental work is constructed in a deliberately intermedial looseness beyond traditional boundaries. At the MAAT Museum in Lisbon, her installation "The Boat" stands as a poignant reminder of the horrors of slavery. Her poetic work, crafted from wood and laser engravings, challenges historical symbolism, supported by ArtWorks. Kilomba's art mirrors our shared past, urging us to acknowledge and learn from uncomfortable truths.


Grada Kilomba: Desconstrução do Simbolismo Histórico


Grada Kilomba, artista ilustre no confronto de narrativas sociais, dá vida à história através do seu trabalho. Este, essencialmente híbrido e experimental, é construído numa liberdade que ultrapassa as fronteiras tradicionais. No Museu MAAT, em Lisboa, a sua instalação "O Barco" é uma recordação dolorosa dos horrores da escravatura. Feito de madeira e gravuras a laser, desafia o simbolismo histórico, com o apoio da ArtWorks. A arte de Kilomba espelha o nosso passado comum, incitando-nos a reconhecer e a aprender com verdades incómodas.


GRADA KILOMBA , 18 VERSES OF A BOAT, 2022.

LOCAL → Castello di Rivoli, Turim [IT]

MATERIALS & TECHNIQUES → wood, laser cut, painting

Wood undergoes a traditional burning process



GRADA KILOMBA , 18 VERSES OF A BOAT, 2022.

LOCAL → Castello di Rivoli, Turim [IT]

MATERIALS & TECHNIQUES → wood, laser cut, painting

Engraving verse from a poem written by the artist Grada Kilomba


GRADA KILOMBA , 18 VERSES OF A BOAT, 2022.

LOCAL → Castello di Rivoli, Turim [IT]

MATERIALS & TECHNIQUES → wood, laser cut, painting


Hand-painting with gold leaf the engraved verse


GRADA KILOMBA , 18 VERSES OF A BOAT, 2022.

LOCAL → Castello di Rivoli, Turim [IT]

MATERIALS & TECHNIQUES → wood, laser cut, painting


Pedro Barateiro: Crafting Intimate Narratives


In the captivating world of Pedro Barateiro, narratives find new forms. His exploration of societal norms and legacies, evident in works like "Espanta-espíritos," questions the world around us. With ArtWorks' collaboration, Barateiro's creations become sanctuaries for vulnerability, imagination, and dreams. His intimate spaces challenge the prevailing insensitivity of our times, reminding us of the power of art to provoke thoughtful introspection.

These artists, in collaboration with OTIIMA and ArtWorks, exemplify the transformative potential of creative partnerships. Their works transcend conventional boundaries, reshaping perceptions and challenging societal norms. As we delve into the intricacies of their creations, let their stories inspire future artists and architects. In their collaborations, the limitless possibilities of human imagination and creativity come to life, inviting us all to embrace a future where art and architecture know no bounds.


Pedro Barateiro: Elaboração de Narrativas Íntimas


No mundo apaixonante de Pedro Barateiro, as narrativas encontram novas formas. O seu estudo das normas e legados sociais, evidente em obras como "Espanta-espíritos", questiona o mundo que nos rodeia. Com a colaboração da ArtWorks, as criações de Barateiro tornam-se santuários para a vulnerabilidade, imaginação e sonhos. Os seus espaços íntimos desafiam a insensibilidade vigente nos nossos tempos, recordando-nos do poder da arte em provocar uma introspeção ponderada.

Estes artistas, em colaboração com a OTIIMA e a ArtWorks, exemplificam o potencial transformador das parcerias criativas. As suas obras transcendem as fronteiras convencionais, reformulando perceções e desafiando as normas sociais. Ao mergulharmos nos enredos das suas criações, deixamos que as suas histórias inspirem futuros artistas e arquitetos. Nas suas colaborações, as possibilidades ilimitadas da imaginação e criatividade humanas ganham vida, convidando-nos a todos a abraçar um futuro em que a arte e a arquitetura não conhecem fronteiras.

 

Installing

PEDRO BARATEIRO, ESPANTA-ESPÍRITOS, 2022.

LOCAL → CIAJG, Guimarães

MATERIALS and TECHNIQUES → iron, painting


PEDRO BARATEIRO, ESPANTA-ESPÍRITOS, 2022.

LOCAL → CIAJG, Guimarães

MATERIALS and TECHNIQUES → iron, painting


PEDRO BARATEIRO, CRYING IN PUBLIC, 2023.

LOCATION → Kunsthalle Münster, Münster, [GER]

MATERIALS & TECHNIQUES → iron, painting



We celebrate the harmonious marriage of art and architecture; through the lens of these extraordinary artists and their collaborations with OTIIMA and ArtWorks, we witness the emergence of spaces that breathe life and meaning. These narratives echo the innovative spirit of our age, urging us to embrace the boundless horizons of creativity. 


Celebramos a união e harmonia entre a arte e a arquitetura; através da lente destes artistas extraordinários e das suas colaborações com a OTIIMA e a ArtWorks, testemunhamos o aparecimento de espaços que respiram vida e significado. Estas narrativas refletem o espírito inovador da nossa era, incitando a abraçar os horizontes ilimitados da criatividade.

 

Aesthetics in Architecture: What It Is and Why It Matters

By OTIIMA MMTW • June 12, 2025
In architecture and design, aesthetics is often misunderstood as a matter of visual appeal alone. However, aesthetics is not just about what looks good; it’s about what feels right, what functions well, and what communicates meaning. It represents the intersection of form, context, and intention. Aesthetics influences every aspect of space, from how it’s perceived to how it’s used. It shapes the emotional and functional experience of architecture. When Does Aesthetics Begin? Aesthetic thinking begins from the first moment of conception, even before the first sketch. It guides decision-making throughout the design and building process. Every material chosen, every joint concealed, and every transition resolved reflects aesthetic intent. In minimalist architecture, where every element is exposed and purposeful, this becomes even more critical. When complexity is removed, aesthetics must bear the weight of both design and function. There’s no room for noise, only clarity.

"Janelar" | A Reflection by Gloria Cabral

By OTIIMA MMTW • June 6, 2025
We invited the renowned architect Gloria Cabra l to share her vision of the window, an essential architectural element. In this exclusive piece, she reflects on how openings go beyond their practical function, transforming into portals of light, connection, and new beginnings, revealing the profound poetry embedded in the act of design. Janelar “Airing out our spaces, letting the wind flow through them, creating ventanas (Spanish), making wind’s eyes— windows (English, from vindauga, Old Norse), or pores in the walls, fenêtre, finestra, fenster (French, Italian, German). I imagine this has been architecture’s desire since the occupation of caves, since the first huts, this original yearning for openings. Later, with new materials, the entry of light became possible: sometimes through flattened horns, other times stretched skins or even paper. With the discovery of glass, a new world of possibilities opened. But in Portuguese, the way we name it is different: Janela , derived from Januella, the diminutive of janua A small door, a little portal. Janela comes from the Roman god Janus, the god of beginnings and endings, transitions and decisions, the same god who opens the year in January. So, to imagine a Janela in a project is to express the beginning of something, the start of a landscape, a sky, a light, scents, or new winds. Designing a Janela is choosing what we want to see, how we want to start the day, what light we invite in, and how it enters. Windows are the instruments connecting us to what surrounds the work. And in Galicia, there’s an even lovelier word: Janelar . It turns sitting by a window and contemplating into a verb. To me, Janelar is to open a portal between inside and outside, past and future, memories, and desires.”

Biophilia: Bringing Nature into Architecture

By OTIIMA MMTW • May 29, 2025
In an era where urban density often distances us from the natural world, biophilic home design reconnects us to its source. It’s a philosophy, a return to the organic connection between people and place. Rooted in the belief that human well-being flourishes when surrounded by nature, biophilic design invites light, air, water, and greenery into the very structure of our daily lives. It softens boundaries, dissolves barriers, and opens interiors to the healing presence of the outdoors. At OTIIMA, we see minimal frames not just as tools of transparency, but as portals to presence. Our systems are about dissolving walls, not simply through glass, but through feeling. Biophilic design is based on the idea that humans thrive when connected to nature. In residential architecture, this translates into the thoughtful use of natural materials, ample daylight, fresh air circulation, and the integration of plants and outdoor views. When applied effectively, these elements improve comfort, boost mental clarity, and support overall well-being, turning a house into a healthier and more balanced living environment. Here are three houses where OTIIMA becomes the quiet conduit between architecture and nature: Touching Eden House | Wallflower Architecture + Design Singapore

Inside a Luxury Apartment Above Ghent by Glenn Sestig

By OTIIMA MMTW • May 22, 2025
Elevated above the urban landscape of Ghent, a private residence by Glenn Sestig Architects reinterprets the interaction between architecture and its atmospheric context. This apartment exemplifies architectural innovation and meditative design, transcending mere functionalism to emphasize the essential.  The architectural language is characterized by clarity, featuring clean lines and monolithic surfaces that establish a sophisticated aesthetic. A minimalist palette comprising travertine walls, smooth concrete ceilings, and soft beige flooring provides a cohesive backdrop for the living spaces. The interiors are fundamentally influenced by natural light rather than ornamental elements, demonstrating a meticulous approach to geometry, proportion, and detail.

Venice Architecture Biennale 2025: Radical Prototypes for a Changing World

By OTIIMA MMTW • May 15, 2025
The 19th Venice Architecture Biennale, curated by Italian architect and MIT professor Carlo Ratti, opened this year under the provocative theme “Intelligens. Natural. Artificial. Collective”. At the intersection of these forms of intelligence stands architecture, and, quite literally, the hands that bring it to life. Among the many national pavilions and installations taking center stage in Venice, two remarkable projects stand out for their strong conceptual vision and technical precision. Both were made possible by the expert collaboration of Portuguese-based ArtWorks.  Eco Folie: Rethinking Survival Architecture in the Atacama Desert Designed by Chilean architects Pedro Alonso and Pamela Prado, Deserta Ecofolie is a minimalist housing prototype created for one of the most extreme environments on Earth: the Atacama Desert. With a just 16 square meters footprint, this compact structure is a statement of resilience and innovation.

Bow: Curved Views and Quiet Luxury Over Lisbon

By OTIIMA MMTW • April 30, 2025
In the heart of Lisbon, where the city begins to rise and the river still whispers in the distance, a new residential building stands with confidence. Bow, designed by Ana Costa Arquitetura and developed by Prime Portugal, redefines what it means to live above the Marquês de Pombal.  Bow opens to Lisbon’s shifting light and long horizons from the upper levels. Its form embraces the curvature of the landscape, while its architecture speaks in soft, decisive lines. Within those lines, OTIIMA plays a leading role.

The Language of Modern Mediterranean Architecture

By OTIIMA MMTW • April 24, 2025
There is a particular kind of silence in Mediterranean architecture. A silence made of sun-bleached walls, filtered light passing through wooden slats, and open courtyards that breathe with the wind. Today, this timeless language is being rewritten—minimal, restrained, and yet deeply rooted in the rituals of the land. A Tradition Reinvented Modern Mediterranean architecture doesn’t mimic the past. It refines it. The terracotta is still warm, the limestone still rough, but now the lines are sharper, the spaces more fluid. Architects are reclaiming the vernacular, not as nostalgia, but as a source of resilience, comfort, and sensory clarity. Its architecture is made to age with grace. Made for slowness, for texture, for shadow.

A Conversation with Laney LA on the SC Residence

By OTIIMA MMTW • April 17, 2025
At the heart of every Laney LA project lies the pursuit of something greater, timeless yet undeniably fresh. In SC Residence, the Los Angeles-based studio partnered with OTIIMA to push boundaries in aesthetics and performance. We sat down with the architects behind the project to discuss their approach, the power of collaboration, and how innovation can shape the cities of tomorrow. A Practice Rooted in Time and Experimentation For Laney LA, design is not simply a choice between old and new; it’s about finding the balance between the two. “Our studio is constantly searching for a design that embodies timelessness and innovation. Timelessness includes staying power and that rare ability to remain relevant over time. Innovation feeds our curiosity as we are oriented toward noticing new ideas.” This mindset requires continually questioning conventional design norms. Which rules are worth preserving, and which are meant to be broken? For Laney LA, the tension between the two is where meaningful architecture begins.

How to Find and Develop Architectural Ideas and Inspiration

By OTIIMA MMTW • April 10, 2025
In architecture, inspiration is everything. It drives concepts, shapes materiality, and defines the experience of space. But finding fresh ideas, especially in a fast-paced, globalized industry, requires more than scrolling through image feeds or revisiting old references. It demands a mindset of curiosity, observation, and intention. Here are six practical ways to uncover and turn meaningful architectural inspiration into project-defining ideas. 1. Diversify Your Sources of Inspiration Expand your creative horizons by exploring areas beyond architecture, such as art, literature, music, and nature. This holistic approach can introduce innovative concepts that can be adapted into your architectural work. Tip : Shift your perspective by exploring different forms of creativity to break through creative blocks.

Architecture and Design Events Not to be Missed in April 2025

By OTIIMA MMTW • April 3, 2025
The world of architecture and design is filled with inspiring events throughout the year, but April stands out as a particularly dynamic month. With a lineup of prestigious exhibitions, fairs, and industry gatherings, it offers a unique opportunity to engage with groundbreaking ideas and emerging trends. In this article, we explore the top architecture and design events taking place this April, from the artistic influence of Art Paris to the innovation showcased at Expo 2025 Osaka. Art Paris 2025 Grand Palais Éphémère, Paris | April 3–6, 2025  A celebration of contemporary art, Art Paris returns with a focus on architectural influences in modern creative expression. Featuring an impressive selection of galleries, this edition highlights the dialogue between art and space, offering a unique perspective for architects seeking inspiration beyond traditional frameworks.
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