Joana Rafael is an architect and researcher working on ecological issues related to pollution and contamination in buildings and territories, with a particular interest in the material conditions of construction and environmental contamination. Her research investigates the materiality and limits of physical infrastructures in relation to Earth systems, as well as human–nature relations mediated by dynamics of human impact, with particular attention to radiological contamination. In parallel, she develops a practice of collaboration with artists, research and writing, as well as consultancy on projects in the fields of architecture, art, and ecology. Joana has taught courses related to Contemporary Culture at institutions including ESAP, ISCE Douro, Central Saint Martins, and the University for the Creative Arts. She is a member of CEGOT and CEAA, and co-founder of REFINERY BOARD. Joana holds a Master’s degree in Architecture and Urban Culture from Metropolis, as well as a Master’s in Research Architecture and a PhD in Visual Culture from Goldsmiths, University of London. She also obtained a specialization certificate in Healthier Materials and Sustainable Construction from Parsons School of Design. She is currently completing a Master’s in Visual Arts Education. Alongside her academic work, Joana is a farmer.
On the Techno-Sublime
Self-published zine compiling MA thesis DISSERTATION, Metropolis, CCCB + UPC, Barcelona
Entitled On the Techno-Sublime, the zine explores the enduring art-historical and philosophical notion of the sublime in the light of the new technologies, in order to manifest the intangible rupture between conscience and material world. Under three problematic around the same thematic, this essay is structured in three rounds, flights or challenges, trying to relate concepts, its roots on history, effect on context and change in stage. Following the Aristotelean perspective of pathos, ethos and logos, the present research is trying to explore the notion of the sublime, in our contemporary society, through those concepts. The present thesis make a specific and thorough analysis on the limit that separates the material world and the technologies that are capable to construct new virtual realities, which interact and condition the human conscience. That limit, a flexible and porous limit, is been mapped through different and interrelated readings of various aspects of our contemporary society.
