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.
Beyond the Screen and the Atmosphere
Satellite Images and the Reimagining of Earth
as planet
text commissioned for Artificialis: The Nature of Latent Images, a collective exhibition by Paula Melânio e Pedro Bandeira, Garagem Avenida, Guimarães
The text explores how satellite infrastructure has reshaped our understanding of the planet, revolutionizing communication and Earth observation for monitoring and mitigating environmental issues. It examines how our reliance on these technologies — vital for global connectivity, monitoring, and resource management — is inseparable from the resource extraction and environmental degradation they are meant to address, underscoring the paradox of our technological footprint.
