Please join a Research Forum open to all students and staff of the RCA on 6th July 2021. Students interested in the career path of a doctoral research degree are warmly invited to join the discussion. A session titled “Studying for an MPhil or PhD Degree at the School of Architecture, RCA” will introduce you to the PhD programme as well as to students on the programme.
In the morning architect, researcher and curator, Paulo Moreira will present the lecture “Shifting Ground: The Failures of Luanda’s Coastal Protection” which looks at the territorial change of the littoral of the city of Luanda (Angola). The volatility of the area largely derives from natural phenomena, from a constant battle between water and land. It was only in the 20th century, during both the colonial and post-colonial periods, that consistent large-scale infrastructural attempts were made to stabilise the shifting ground of the Ilha de Luanda. Yet, these actions have not been entirely successful. This lecture will focus on the large-scale coastal protection plans implemented in Luanda attempting to reduce the impacts of the natural phenomena that had affected the Ilha over the years. Paulo Moreira will also present his documentary research with the community of Chicala in Luanda as well as his work on an online archive, exhibitions and films.
In the afternoon, PhD student will present short research interviews they have conducted with architects, experts and protagonists of their sites of research. The short films will be discussed in short sessions moderated by PhD students.