The thing about construction tapes is that they can do nothing without a pair of scissors. Some people swear by their use, and others make fun of them for being archaic, but the thing is these little icons are one of the most iconic symbols in Brazilian architecture. They are an artistic expression that give weight to their decor, gaining impact from its background. In some cases, it may just be a line or two with a four-leaf clover or some other similar detail – whatever it takes to find meaning in the facade’s design.
The importance of this concept has been highlighted to extreme degree in our country, not just because it’s a common practice, but because of the reasons that it’s so important. The first is its ability to bring meaning and intention in design, even if a facade is already completed. Second is its use as a tool that can be used by the client in collaboration with the architect: although an engineer may have planned the building based on structuralist principles, note how the client may want to add decorative elements upon seeing the tape stage model. Finally, the tape stage model can give an immediate idea of what the building will look like once it’s been completed, and therefore provide a clear goal for the architect to begin designing his/her plans. In contrast, sometimes with digital models you get lost in details that may not be as important as they seem.
As such, construction tapes are used by many construction companies to plan their buildings and by architects during the early stages of their work. They are iconic and functional at the same time – a tool that defines the industry.
The construction tape is one of the essential stages in the process of building a house in Brazil, yet it is not as well known as other things such as architectural blueprints, or even elevator models. Its use is subtle and has gone unnoticed by many. It allows us to understand and talk about Brazilian architecture more easily – but also helps to understand more about Brazil itself, including its history and culture.
Nonetheless, it has always been a part of the Brazilian culture, including its architecture. At first glance, this seems like it would be obvious because it is such an embedded part of our lives and our way of thinking. This is why it is not easily understood by the foreign visitor who comes to Brazil and sees tape on walls as graffiti at best. It may also be surprising how modern architecture – mostly in large cities – can use construction tape to adorn its design as an example of Brazilian-ness or national pride. In this sense, the construction tape can be seen as more of a cultural symbol than an architectural one.
This is not only limited to Brazil. For example, we can see how in other Latin American countries there are also ways to express ourselves through the use of tape – including Mexico and Argentina. Nonetheless, it is a practice that is more concentrated in Brazil more than anywhere else and therefore has given Brazilians the chance to view architecture through their own lens, giving some meaning to these little bits of material used by construction companies everywhere.
We can see this in the fact that when Brazilian architects – and even non-architects – look at tape, they always find different meanings. There are many different ways to interpret taping. And since it is a practice that can be seen in practically every building, it has given some sense of national identity to Brazil as well as using design in general as a very efficient way of projecting an idea onto the architecture.