Swiss TRC-LC3 Prototype Pavilion – São Paulo Architecture Biennale
© 2025 EPFL
The TRC-LC3 Prototype Pavilion, developed at EPFL Fribourg is exhibited at the 14th International Architecture Biennale of São Paulo. By exploring the structural, architectural, environmental, and social dimensions of TRC-LC3, the research highlights its potential for application in the Global South.
The 14th International Architecture Biennale of São Paulo (@bienaldearquiteturasp) for an Overheated Planet, EXTREMOS, places an urgent question at the center of the dialogue: what is the role of architecture in a world facing extreme climate events and the very limits of human life, with the point of no return looming on the horizon?
In line with this concept, EPFL is very proud to present the TRC LC3 Prototype Pavilion, constructed by students and researchers at EPFL Fribourg, led by Dr. Patricia Guaita from@epflenacand@alice_epfl, in collaboration with School of Architecture at the Federal University of Bahia (@faufba). The project was selected for the Exhibition category of the São Paulo Biennale and will be showcased from 18 September to 19 October.
The Swiss Pavilion demonstrates how innovative materials and construction systems can address today’s urgent sustainability challenges. Combining Textile Reinforced Concrete (TRC) with Limestone Calcined Clay Cement (LC3), the project represents a new generation of lightweight, low-carbon structures. By exploring the structural, architectural, environmental, and social dimensions of TRC-LC3 in relation to climate, the project highlights its potential for application in the Global South, where it seeks to foster a socially and environmentally sustainable climatic system.
At Ibirapuera Park, the 14th International Architecture Biennale of São Paulo welcomes the public for free. We invite you to appreciate this project and the work of many other architects who are reimagining ways of living and creating a better planet.
EPFL Project Team ( Switzerland)
Dr. Patricia Guaita, Architect and Lecturer, ALICE IA ENAC EPFL
Raffael Baur, Architect and external Lecturer, ENAC EPFL
Dr. David Fernández-Ordóñez, Civil Engineer, fib and ENAC SGC EPFL
Dr. Enrique Corres, Civil Engineer, Construction Assistant, ENAC SGC EPFL
Dr. Beatrice Malchiodi, Civil Engineer, Post Doc, LMC EPFL
Claude-Alain Jacot, Technical collaborator, Technical Unit EPFL Fribourg
In Collaboration with Brazil
Dr. Sergio Ekerman, Architect, Prof. Universidade Federal da Bahia, FAUFBA
