In-Formal: Urban Infrastructure Revisited, by Guilherme Lassance (Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, 2026–2027 Fellow at the Paris Institute for Advanced Study), Beatriz Gomes, Lucas Freitas and Nicholas Mansoa, received the Best Book Award at the 14th Ibero-American Biennial of Architecture and Urbanism (BIAU-XIV, 2026).

Published by Rio Books in 2024, the book starts from the observation that urban infrastructure is usually designed according to a strictly utilitarian, single-purpose logic, with little regard for its urban and social context. By mapping informal appropriations of infrastructure in the suburbs of Rio de Janeiro, it identifies new spatial and functional categories that can inform the planning of a more hybrid, resilient and inclusive city.

The Ibero-American Biennial of Architecture and Urbanism (BIAU) was established in 1998 at the initiative of the Spanish government. It brings together Latin American countries, Spain and Portugal around contemporary architecture and urbanism. Each edition is held in a different city across the Ibero-American region. The Biennial recognises built works and urban projects as well as research and publications, alongside exhibitions, talks and debates. The 14th edition (BIAU-XIV) is taking place in Brasília, Brazil, from 3 to 6 November 2026.