Joana Rafael is an architect practitioner and Postdoctoral Researcher, specializing in ecological concerns related to pollution and contamination, both indoors and in urban planning. Her research explores the intersections of architecture and urbanism with human geography, environmental studies, and power dynamics, encompassing contemporary culture, media studies, art, and technology. She investigates the materiality and limits of physical infrastructures in relation to Earth's systems and the reciprocal relationships between humans and nature, with a particular focus on radiologically contaminated environments. Joana has taught Contextual Studies and Contemporary Culture-related courses at institutions including ESAP in Porto, ISCE Douro in Penafiel, Central Saint Martins in London, and the University for the Creative Arts in Canterbury. She is a member of CEGOT (Center for Studies in Geography and Spatial Planning) and CEAA (Centro de Estudos Arnaldo Araújo), and a co-founder of REFINERY BOARD. Joana holds a Master of Architecture and Urban Cultures from Metropolis, Barcelona, as well as a Master of Research Architecture and a PhD in Visual Cultures from Goldsmiths, University of London. She also earned a Healthier Materials and Sustainable Building Specialization certificate from Parsons School of Design, The New School. In addition to her academic pursuits, Joana is a certified farmer.
The Nuclear in The Ural Montains
Territorial Tensions between Humans and Atoms
Presented at XXXIATNEUXX, Porto, Portugal
< published > in portuguese as O Nuclear nos Montes Urais: Tensōes Territoriais entre Humanos e Átomos
at Curadoria de Enigmas Territoriais de Ines Moreira, Parabola Critica Porto, 2022
The paper explores the impact of deadly emissions from Soviet nuclear facilities on a place that has undergone a series of conversions, from natural refuge to military headquarters, to nature reserve and touristic destination. This article sheds light on the interconnectedness of all life forms and the vulnerabilities of infrastructures, putting supposedly safe people at risk.