Notes from the Lecture by Paolo Mendes de Rocha

Speaker: Jane Duncan, President of RIBA
Occasion: Celebration of the 2017 Royal Gold Medal awarded to Paolo Mendes de Rocha.
Special guests acknowledged:
- His Excellency Eduardo dos Santos, Ambassador of Brazil
- Ana Maria Birenbach, Deputy Head of the Embassy
- Haile Gedaya, Cultural Attache

Recognition of new and existing fellows and their contributions to architecture.
Notable presentation by Peter St. John, 2016 Sterling Prize Winner.
Paolo Mendes de Rocha is the 165th recipient of the Royal Gold Medal, first awarded in 1848.

João Mendes de Araújo praised for his unique architecture:
- Courage and clarity in his designs.
- Timeless quality in his early works.
Mendes de Rocha emphasizes architecture's impact on society and the environment.
He is regarded not as a star architect but as a pivotal figure in architecture.

Importance of human habitat in nature:
- Nature alone is inhospitable to humans; architecture must bridge this gap.
- The planet is viewed as unstable and requires careful consideration in architecture.
Critical Review of Colonialism:
- Reflection on the past and its impact on modern architecture and planning.
- Need for collaboration across countries in the Americas to address shared issues and build a better future.
Architecture as a form of knowledge:
- Architecture's role in engaging with a variety of disciplines and promoting education from an early age.

Focus on planning contemporary cities to accommodate overpopulation and resource scarcity.
Proposal of innovative designs that foster connections among various countries through river navigation and integrated transportation systems
- Potential projects discussed include connecting major rivers in Latin America.
Examples of Architectural Projects:
- Montevideo Bay City Plan:
  - Design outlines for a new city to enhance connectivity and efficiency.
- Brazilian Museum of Sculpture:
  - Envisions an innovative underground design to showcase sculptures while respecting the environment.
- Coach Museum in Lisbon:
  - Emphasizes exhibition spaces that harmonize with existing landscapes and cultural narratives.

Mendes de Rocha expresses gratitude for the honor and emphasizes the role of England in Brazil's history.
Final appreciation to all contributors to the evening's event and sponsors.
Invitation for attendees to join for drinks.

The event concluded with further appreciation for Mendes de Rocha and acknowledgment of the cultural significance of the gathering.
Attendees instructed to return headsets and encouraged to mingle for discussions.

Lecture Notes: Paolo Mendes de Rocha