The Angola Pavilion at the 55th International Art Exhibition, curated by Paula Nascimento and Stefano Rabolli Pansera, secured the Golden Lion for best national participation. Born in Luanda in 1981, Nascimento operates at the intersection of architecture and exhibition curation, focusing her professional output on the urban dynamics of sub-Saharan Africa.
Architectural Education and Foundation
Nascimento completed her professional training at the Architectural Association School of Architecture. Her career developed during a period when the parameters of architectural practice faced significant scrutiny, particularly regarding how global, computational, and environmental concerns impact design. This background informs her approach to the built environment, where she addresses the inherent challenges of local climates, material availability, and existing planning regulations.
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In 2011, Nascimento co-founded the limited company Beyond Entropy Africa with Stefano Rabolli Pansera. The firm concentrates its analytical and design work on Luanda, treating the city as a primary model for understanding urban conditions in sub-Saharan Africa. The research focuses on high-density environments characterized by a notable scarcity of basic infrastructure. This partnership led to the curation of the Angola Pavilion at the 13th Architecture Biennale in Venice in 2012 under the title 'Beyond Entropy'.
Curatorial Practice
Beyond her architectural work, Nascimento serves as an exhibition curator. Her collaboration with Pansera on the 2013 Angola Pavilion, titled 'Luanda, Encyclopedic City', showcased the work of photographer Edson Chagas and contributed to the country's international presence in the art world. Her broader engagement with the international cultural sector includes serving as a member of the visual arts jury for the DAAD Artists-in-Berlin Program in 2023.
Fast facts
- Born: 1981, Luanda, Angola
- Education: Architectural Association School of Architecture
- Key Award: Golden Lion
- Primary Occupations: Architect, Exhibition Curator
- Language: Portuguese
- Company Founded: Beyond Entropy Africa
Questions readers ask
What is the primary focus of Beyond Entropy Africa?
The firm focuses on the urban condition of sub-Saharan Africa, specifically using Luanda as a model for cities defined by high population density and limited infrastructure.
What recognition did Nascimento receive for her work in Venice?
She received the Golden Lion for best national participation at the 55th International Art Exhibition in 2013.
Achievements
- Golden Lion
- Trained at Architectural Association School of Architecture
