COBOGÓ UMAMI

Long description

Cobogós are hollow elements which compose a structure that enclose or divide spaces. The composition of these elements form a weft that filters visibility, the passage of light, as well as brings a certain poetic feel to the environment. This compositional element is an icon of Brazilian architecture and is present in the aesthetics of Brazilian modernism, remaining widely explored to this day. Cobogó was invented in Pernambuco in the 1920s, as an inheritance of Arab culture based on muxarabis – elements imported into Colonial Brazil.

With a diversity of designs, cobogó is usually made of concrete or clay. Beside these materials, cement is also widely used both in the mortar that fixes the pieces together and in the manufacturing of the cobogó itself. In order to use those non-re-moldable virgin materials, this project proposes to replace them with thermoplastic waste. The recycled plastic fits well the lasting aspect of Civil Construction products, promotes a material life extension and brings up the possibility of further recycling.

This project develops a new constructive technology, composed of 4 types of pieces that fit together, allowing the assembly and disassembly of walls and sparing the use of mortars and glues. The components are Cobogó, Connector, Frame and Baseboard. The type of joint chosen was the dovetail, and due to the resistance of being pulled apart, it brings monolithic characteristics to the assembled set.

The innovation in the constructive design of cobogó lifts a Brazilian popular product to a circular economy model.

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