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This week on Breaking New Ground, we sit down with Rafael Luna, Ph.D., to explore how hybrid buildings are shaping the future of our cities. But what exactly does that mean? Together, we unpack his research on hybrid infrastructural buildings—where real estate meets innovation to redefine the built environment.
Rafael’s work is backed by major industry partnerships and has been exhibited at The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), the Venice Biennale, and the Seoul Biennale. A widely published author and recipient of international design awards, he is at the forefront of rethinking urban development.
Through projects like Wild Futures, a housing prototype designed to restore urban pollinator communities, and Social Housing, an apartment complex integrating 3D-printed concrete and green exterior walls, Rafael demonstrates how hybrid building typologies can address our most pressing urban challenges.
As cities evolve, bold solutions will be essential. Visionaries like Rafael Luna are leading the way, merging architecture, technology, and sustainability to shape the future of urban living.
Listen now to gain insight into the innovations that will define our cities for generations to come.
Cheers,
John
Summary:
In this conversation, Professor Rafael Luna discusses his innovative approach to architecture, focusing on the concept of infra-architectural hybrids that integrate energy production and resource management into building design. Rafael has a Master of Architecture from MIT and his Ph.D. from L'Accademia di architettura dell'Universita della Svizzera Italiana.
In our discussion Rafael shares insights on the intersection of architecture and real estate, the importance of urban greening and pollinator networks, and the challenges of funding and prototyping new housing typologies.
The discussion highlights the potential for architecture to contribute to sustainable urban development and the collaborative efforts required to bring these ideas to fruition.
In this conversation, Rafael Luna and John Pugh explore innovative housing solutions, focusing on multi-generational living, the implications of aging societies, and the potential of 3D printing and prefabrication in construction. They discuss the need for adaptable housing designs that cater to changing demographics and the importance of shared living spaces that foster community and collaboration across generations.
Connect with and follow Rafael:
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Rafael Luna and His Work
01:51 Exploring Infoarchitectural Hybrids
06:05 Innovative Energy-Generating Architecture
10:07 Research Funding and Collaboration
11:59 Pollinator Networks and Urban Greening
17:56 Prototyping and Real-World Applications
23:55 Future Directions and Property Management Insights
24:36 Innovative Housing Solutions
27:46 The Future of Multi-Generational Living
30:41 Adapting to Aging Societies
34:09 3D Printing in Construction
38:06 Global Perspectives on Prefabrication
41:01 Shared Housing and Co-Living Dynamics
45:14 Intergenerational Collaboration and Community Building
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This post is sponsored by Pugh Management a leader in real estate investment and development. We primarily work with family offices and ultra-high net worth individuals to invest in real estate. To learn more reach out to us at info@pughmgmt.com or click this link to our website.
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