ARQBR Arquitetura e Urbanismo: D5 streamlines design testing for informed choices

Showcase of award-winning projects from ARQBR Arquitetura e Urbanismo presented by D5 Render

Founded in 2013, ARQBR Arquitetura e Urbanismo, based in Brasília, originates from the professional collaboration between architects Eder Alencar and André Velloso. The combination of individual experiences and the pursuit of common ideals drive a production that spans across various scales and programs.

Its ideals are rooted in the power of transforming the landscape, the city and the people living within it. Through critical reflection and architectural synthesis, the office develops projects that respect the scales in which they are implemented, evoking lightness and simplicity.

ARQBR Arquitetura e Urbanismo (hereinafter referred to as 'ARQBR') has won the ArchDaily 2024 Building of the Year, Archdaily Top 100 Projects, and Archello Awards 2023 awards. 

We at D5 are thrilled to have ARQBR as a part of our user community, especially since our real-time rendering technology aided talented architects during their design process. Join us as we highlight ARQBR's extraordinary design work in the article ahead.

The connection between the architecture and the local environment

ARQBR demonstrates a keen sensitivity to the interplay between a project and its surroundings, crafting designs that resonate with their environment. This is exemplified by the elegant strip of glass on the walls of the Church of the Holy Family, offering a framed view of the landscape, the thoughtful incorporation of local wood materials in the construction of the Couri House, and numerous other meticulously considered features.

  • Incorporation of local landscape

The Couri House, nestled inBrasília and bordering a lush, non-developable green area, features an elegantly ribbon-shaped design. This distinctive layout cleverly incorporates two patios that provide tranquil views and seamless integration with both the private garden and the adjacent verdant expanse.

Couri House © ARQBR Arquitetura e Urbanismo | Rendered by D5 Render

This plan seamlessly bridges the interior and exterior as well. Family members can enjoy reading, dining, or moving between rooms, all while immersed in the natural ambiance that surrounds them.

Couri House © ARQBR Arquitetura e Urbanismo | Rendered by D5 Render

"It is necessary to simulate landscaping in order to understand the relationship between architectural projects and the landscape. Thus, the possibility of quick and high-quality simulation enables a better understanding between the proposals of partner landscapers and the works of the office," said ARQBR Arquitetura e Urbanismo. 

D5 Render features over 3,800 plant models ranging from palms, citrus, to conifers, aiding architects in designing with local vegetation in mind.

The incorporation of local vegetation was also a key feature in ARQBR's Park Way House project. The single-story house is located in a rural neighborhood where the side facing the street is more concealed, while the other side, which embraces the backyard, is more open.

Park Way House © ARQBR Arquitetura e Urbanismo | Rendered by D5 Render

The interior was designed with flexible grids for the spatial layout, incorporating voids for internal gardens and connections to the street and backyard.

Park Way House © ARQBR Arquitetura e Urbanismo | Rendered by D5 Render

  • Incorporation of indigenous materials

"First and foremost, we value materials presented in their original form, steering away from proposals that use simulations or replicas of textures."

Church of the Holy Family © ARQBR Arquitetura e Urbanismo | Rendered by D5 Render

The projects are rooted in the principle of leveraging local materials, allowing for a natural discourse between the design and the community it habits. When selecting materials for the structure, ARQBR would carefully test compositions that align with the design concept, volumetrics, and the compatibility among the materials themselves. 

"The variety of materials and models in D5 Asset Library has allowed for an increase in the speed of test renderings, as the library can encompass most of the elements we are looking for."

Couri House © ARQBR Arquitetura e Urbanismo | Rendered by D5 Render

The art of light and shadows

Light serves as a unifying element between the interior and exterior, creating a gateway to the poetic aspect of the world. The importance of lighting is highlighted by details such as the circular skylight atop the Church of the Holy Family and the floor-to-ceiling windows of Park Way House. By harmonizing natural light with interior tranquility, ARQBR has seamlessly woven 'the poetic dimension of the world' into their architectural designs.

Church of the Holy Family © ARQBR Arquitetura e Urbanismo | Rendered by D5 Render

Park Way House © ARQBR Arquitetura e Urbanismo | Rendered by D5 Render

"A rendering engine allows us to see how this light enters and reflects on materials throughout the day, enabling an understanding of areas with varying degrees of glare and the building's relationship with the context."

D5 Render's real-time ray tracing viewport can vividly and instantly present how the architecture looks in various lighting conditions in a lifelike environment.

It is with immense pride and excitement that we, the D5 team, announce our authorization by ARQBR to display their exceptional architectural designs using the rendering and animation capabilities of D5 Render. We encourage you to immerse yourself in the intricacies and artistry of their work by watching the accompanying video.

As we present these visual marvels, we extend our heartfelt wishes to ARQBR for a future brimming with unceasing creativity and innovation.