Michel Da Costa Goncalves

After studying in France and Spain, Michel da Costa Gonçalves graduated in architecture with honors from ENSAPL in France. He later completed a Master’s degree in Emergent Technologies & Design at the Architectural Association School of Architecture in London before co-founding RARE architecture and then DROO. Michel previously worked with Shigeru Ban in Paris, as project manager for the new Pompidou Centre. He was also project manager for Architecture Studio on projects in China, Greece, and Saudi Arabia (Rotterdam Architecture Biennale 2004 selection). He is Co-director and author of the urban living book series “Villes” (Edition Autrement). Publications include articles in AA Files, Tank, and a contribution to evolutionary computing as part of Springer Verlage, Natural Series. In addition to practice, he teaches a studio at the Architectural Association. Over the last few years, Michel has developed a number of projects with high profile engineering constraints. His interests in the integration of digital modeling and production tools in both the design and construction phases have contributed to the practice’s innovative approach and cost-effective bespoke solutions.