Architecture News

The documentary 'Amarar' unveils a compelling narrative about sustainable architecture and regional revitalization, focusing on Aulets Arquitectes' pioneering work in Mallorca. The film and subsequent discussion highlight the urgent need for responsible forest management and the integration of local, renewable resources into the construction industry. By drawing inspiration from traditional practices and combining them with modern design principles, the 'Amarar' project offers a powerful vision for a more ecological and economically vibrant future for the Balearic Islands.

Documentary 'Amarar' Premieres, Showcasing Innovative Sustainable Practices in Mallorca

On Thursday, August 3, 2026, at 7:00 PM, Espacio Arquia in Madrid (c/ Tutor, 16) hosted the premiere of the short film 'Amarar', presented by Aulets Arquitectura en Corto. The documentary delves into a unique initiative led by Francisco Cifuentes and Sebastián Martorell, the co-founders of Aulets Arquitectes, a distinguished firm based in Palma de Mallorca. The project revives the ancient Mallorcan technique of 'Amarar', which involves immersing wood in water to enhance its durability. This traditional method is now being applied to sustainably sourced native pine trees, transforming them into high-value contemporary furniture and construction materials.

The documentary illuminates the critical issue of forest abandonment in the Balearic Islands. Francisco Cifuentes noted the paradox of importing vast quantities of timber while 95% of local forests remain neglected and vulnerable to natural disasters. He passionately advocates for architects to prioritize materials that support ecosystem regeneration, emphasizing the necessity of a paradigm shift in construction practices. 'Amarar' showcases how Aulets Arquitectes, in collaboration with the University of the Balearic Islands, is researching the broader applications of this treated wood in construction, aiming to create a fully traceable and recyclable material stream.

Directed by Marc Hierro, the film provides concrete examples of the innovative solutions proposed by Aulets Arquitectes and their partners. These solutions span from sustainable forest management to activating an entire value chain encompassing craftsmanship, industrial production, design, architecture, and construction. The project seeks to reposition Pinus halepensis, the indigenous Mallorcan pine, as a vital economic resource. A severe storm in August 2020, which ravaged over 700 hectares of forest in the Serra de Tramuntana, underscored the urgency of finding sustainable uses for salvaged wood.

Following the screening, a thought-provoking panel discussion took place, featuring Francisco Cifuentes, Sebastián Martorell, and Albert Cuchí. Cuchí, whose article "Construir el territorio" in the El Croquis monograph highlights Aulets Arquitectes' work, articulated the firm's core philosophy: a commitment to restoring the territory as the authentic canvas for architecture. He stressed the importance of maintaining a harmonious relationship with natural resources, ensuring the renewability of extraction processes, and integrating construction with broader societal activities to foster an ecological society.

The event served as a testament to the potential of blending ancient wisdom with modern innovation to address contemporary environmental challenges, charting a course towards a more resilient and sustainable future for both built environments and natural ecosystems.

The "Amarar" project offers a profound lesson in responsible development and the power of local solutions to global problems. It challenges us to reconsider our relationship with natural resources, particularly in construction, and to embrace practices that regenerate rather than deplete. The initiative by Aulets Arquitectes serves as a compelling model for how design and architecture can become catalysts for ecological restoration and economic sustainability. It underscores that true progress lies in understanding and respecting the intricate balance of ecosystems, fostering community engagement, and making conscious choices that benefit both the environment and future generations.

The Fundació Mies van der Rohe has initiated the call for submissions for the fifth iteration of the Lilly Reich Grant for Equality in Architecture. This program seeks to advance scholarly inquiry and critical discourse surrounding modern and contemporary architectural practices. It particularly emphasizes their intersection with evolving paradigms of diversity, inclusivity, and multifaceted sustainability. Through this grant, the foundation aims to highlight architectural contributions that address societal shifts and promote equitable representation within the field.

This year's grant invites architectural professionals and researchers to contribute to an expanding body of knowledge that critically examines the historical and contemporary landscape of architecture. The initiative is structured to encourage innovative proposals that not only explore the foundational elements of architectural design but also engage with pressing global challenges, fostering a more inclusive and sustainable built environment for future generations.

Advancing Equality and Research in Architecture

The Fundació Mies van der Rohe is proud to launch the fifth edition of the Lilly Reich Grant for Equality in Architecture, an important initiative designed to stimulate new research and critical dialogue within the architectural community. This grant actively promotes studies that delve into modern and contemporary architecture, encouraging proposals that integrate principles of diversity, inclusion, and sustainability. The foundation believes that by supporting such comprehensive research, it can contribute significantly to a more equitable and forward-thinking architectural practice globally.

A core objective of this grant is to broaden the understanding of architecture's role in society, addressing how design can either perpetuate or dismantle inequalities. The initiative provides a platform for scholars and practitioners to investigate historical precedents and current challenges, ensuring that architectural discourse evolves to meet contemporary demands. By focusing on themes of equality and sustainability, the grant not only honors the legacy of figures like Lilly Reich but also inspires future generations to consider the broader social impact of their work.

Highlighting Lilly Reich's Legacy and Broader Architectural Contexts

For its fifth cycle, the Lilly Reich Grant for Equality in Architecture will specifically prioritize research proposals that illuminate the life, professional achievements, and enduring influence of Lilly Reich, as well as the broader professional landscape in which she operated. This thematic focus aims to bring renewed attention to Reich's often-underrecognized contributions to architecture and design, providing an opportunity to re-evaluate her impact on the modernist movement and beyond. Her work serves as a powerful case study for examining issues of gender and professional equity within historical architectural contexts.

While emphasizing Lilly Reich, the grant remains open to diverse research topics that align with its overall mission of promoting equality in architecture. Applicants are encouraged to submit proposals that explore any geographical region, historical era, or innovative line of inquiry, provided they contribute to the overarching goals of fostering diversity, inclusion, and sustainability. This flexible approach ensures that the grant supports a wide array of perspectives and continues to enrich the architectural dialogue on a global scale, encouraging a holistic understanding of architectural history and its future directions.