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.
Trick Tickling Clock
A DIY wall clock crafted from a skateboard deck, where each second is marked by the sound of a skate trick or maneuver.
Materials:
Skateboard Deck; Griptape; Quartz Clock; MP3 player; Vibration Speaker
Dimensions: Width: 8.25' Length: 8.25'
Duration: 12 hours
Sound Design by:
Luis Kasprzykowski (listen file: tic-tac.mp3)
Commissioned for Skatomize #03, an exhibition project of Porto's Kate skateshop, inviting scholars and artists to re-use broken skateboards.
