Architecture involves mobilizing several aspects of the environment where the building is located: the socio-cultural, political and economic context, aesthetics, legislation, and functionality. Functionality includes use efficiency, occupancy, and comfort. Laurent Troost's work has shown the articulation between these various factors, with particular attention to comfort, especially thermal comfort. His projects prioritize natural ventilation over artificial air conditioning, which has become almost mandatory in current city models.
Born and trained in Belgium, Laurent Troost is based in Manaus (AM), after working in Spain and the Netherlands. He participated in OMA, the office of Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas, where he worked on large-scale projects with a multinational team. This diversity of nationalities certainly contributes to a broader and more conscious world comprehension. After moving to Brazil, his contact with offices and a postgraduate degree led him to Manaus, where he was director of the Municipal Institute of Urban Planning.
His work in the public sector gave him an understanding of the Amazon context. This is reflected in his projects: adaptation to the climate, logistics and the historical context of architecture that flourished during the rubber boom.
In the face of openly announced climate challenges, passive air conditioning strategies and materials aimed at the essential aspects of construction (even if due to regional precariousness) update architecture and demonstrates possibilities that can be studied, debated, and adapted to other regions. In a broader sense, Laurent Troost's practice also attests to the potential of architecture decentralization from hegemonic axes.
The mentality of climatic optimization and essentiality may inspire other ways of designing or recovering those considered vernacular. However, as Troost's projects prove, they remain current. Check it out:
Tropical Shed
Cassina Innovation House
Tourist Information Center - Ponta Negra Park
Campinarana House
The Manga, Vila Santa Thereza
Tarumã House
