Architectural Cases

The "SSAL: Rice as Matter" project, spearheaded by designers Juwon Kim and Na Hyeon, delves into the transformative potential of surplus rice. This innovative study re-evaluates rice that is no longer fit for consumption, whether due to expiration, sales unsuitability, or as a milling byproduct, reframing its purpose from a foodstuff to a valuable raw material. The core objective is to uncover the inherent material worth of rice once its traditional use-value diminishes, thereby paving the way for sustainable applications.

This pioneering research was initiated in response to the changing role of rice within contemporary Korean society. Despite its profound cultural significance, the daily consumption of rice has seen a decline, leading to a persistent cycle of storage, redistribution, and eventual disposal. Often, rice is discarded because it fails to meet stringent grading standards, surpasses its expiration date, or the costs associated with its preservation outweigh the benefits of its reuse. The project commenced with extensive on-site investigations in collaboration with a local rice mill, involving direct observations and interviews, followed by a series of iterative material experiments.

Shifting away from its conventional perception as a dietary staple, the designers approached rice as a physical substance possessing distinct structural and tactile properties. They developed a versatile composite by blending rice with various binding agents, creating a material that can be molded and dried. A crucial discovery was the impact of particle size: larger grains impart a noticeable texture, while finely ground rice yields a smoother, more uniform finish. When combined, different particle sizes create a denser, more intricate texture, akin to the interaction between aggregate and adhesive in construction, influencing the material's strength, cohesion, and surface characteristics.

Further investigation into the material's potential involved rigorous testing of its durability, texture, and natural coloration. Post-drying, various surface treatments and eco-friendly preservatives were applied to enhance resilience, aiming to broaden its application beyond mere samples. Experiments with natural colorants, including green tea, chili powder, and different rice varieties like brown and black rice, yielded a spectrum of warm, light tones to deeper, subdued shades. The designers frequently emphasized the rice's natural coloration, preserving its inherent visual appeal.

Milled rice, particularly when finely processed, exhibited a soft ivory hue with a subtle translucence. Conversely, samples crafted from coarser grains showcased a more pronounced grain structure, contributing to richer textures and surface variations. The utilization of natural components also underscores the material's biodegradability, positioning it within a temporary lifecycle that contrasts sharply with conventional, enduring construction materials.

This project fundamentally challenges the notion of discarded rice as mere waste. Instead, it scrutinizes the circumstances under which rice loses its perceived value due to shifts in consumption patterns, inventory pressures, and disposal expenses. In such scenarios, rice often loses its original purpose and is overlooked, frequently ending up in landfills despite its cultural and ethical importance. By reintegrating discarded rice as a raw material, Juwon Kim and Na Hyeon's study meticulously documents its material capabilities, prompting a reevaluation of how value can be ascribed once familiar systems of use are disrupted.

The ABERTO5 exhibition is set to make its highly anticipated return to Brazil, taking over the distinctive spherical residence of architect Eduardo Longo, known as Casa Bola, in São Paulo. This event marks the fifth iteration of the acclaimed itinerant exhibition series, recognized for its innovative approach of repurposing architecturally significant, often previously unseen, private homes into captivating venues for contemporary art and design. From March 7th to May 31st, 2026, the public will have the unique opportunity to explore Longo's private dwelling, which will be transformed into an immersive gallery showcasing over sixty original and recent works by both Brazilian and international artists.

Casa Bola, an architectural marvel conceived and constructed by Eduardo Longo between 1974 and 1979, is a central feature of the upcoming ABERTO5 exhibition. This sculptural home appears to gracefully float above Longo's main residence, presenting a striking eight-meter diameter sphere made from ferrocement and recycled steel tubes. The design's singular, continuous interior eradicates traditional corners, with walls, furniture, lighting, and sanitary fixtures seamlessly integrated using the same material palette. The exhibition's organizers have embraced the home's unique geometry as an integral part of the curatorial process. Artworks are strategically placed along ramps, within intimate niches, or suspended from the dome, guiding visitors through a dynamic interaction with the architecture itself. Artists like Daniel Steegmann Mangrané, Sarah Lucas, Erika Verzutti, Laís Amaral, Paloma Bosquê, Tomás Saraceno, and Leonor Antunes have contributed pieces that respond directly to the unique spatial conditions of Casa Bola, transforming its curved surfaces and shifting scales into an expansive three-dimensional canvas.

The choice of Casa Bola as the exhibition venue adds a profound layer of intimacy and authenticity, as Eduardo Longo continues to reside in the home. This creates a compelling dialogue between daily life and curated artistic expression, where the traces of domestic routines subtly intertwine with the displayed works. Visitors will encounter archival drawings, sketches, and models that illuminate Longo's broader explorations into spherical housing, alongside newly commissioned pieces. The natural light filtering through the home's distinctive round windows casts moving circles across the floors, further enhancing the dynamic atmosphere where architecture, memory, and contemporary artistic production coalesce, each adapting to the constraints and possibilities of the other.

Beyond the confines of Casa Bola, the ABERTO5 experience will extend into the urban landscape of São Paulo through ABERTO Rua, a parallel public art initiative along Faria Lima. This street project will feature site-specific installations by Brazilian artists on sidewalks and plazas, engaging with prominent buildings by architects such as Ruy Ohtake and Isay Weinfeld. This expansion bridges the personal, intimate scale of Longo's home with the expansive public domain, fostering a connection between private artistic experimentation and broader civic engagement, further solidifying ABERTO5's impact on São Paulo's cultural scene.

The ABERTO5 exhibition offers an unparalleled opportunity to engage with contemporary art and design within an extraordinary architectural setting. By transforming Eduardo Longo's Casa Bola into a living gallery, the event not only showcases innovative artworks but also highlights the intrinsic relationship between space, art, and daily existence. This fifth edition reinforces ABERTO's tradition of creating immersive experiences that challenge conventional exhibition formats, bringing art directly into dialogue with its architectural context and extending its reach into the city's public spaces.