Contemporary architecture: dialogues between Portugal and Brazil

Abstract

The work of the Visiting Researcher (AVM) is part of the research project "Contemporary Architecture l dialogues between Portugal and Brazil", to be developed by the Research Group "Architecture, Art and Contemporary City: projects and works, dialogues, frictions", led by professors M. Bogéa and G. Wisnik at USP. The current proposal aims to deepen the historical descriptions of this "dialogue", and to continue a critical assessment of the relations between the architectural cultures of the two countries (continuing a research line which started with funds from to the AUCANI-USP/Porto University edict). The research, of which AVM is responsible, is structured from an issue that attends in parallel to the historiography and the critical evaluation: how to approach the evolution of the relations between the urban and architectural cultures of Portugal and Brazil from a post-colonial perspective? Continuities, migrations and influences are analyzed with focus on the housing and collective space productions. Portuguese and Brazilian architectural cultures have been autonomously emerged in the international realm, through important centres of professional practice based in cities such as São Paulo (with the advent of the so-called "brutalismo paulista") or Porto (with reference to the actions developed in the field by SAAL Operations). These historical data make it possible to place them in a level of description and critical analysis identical to other international cultures, significant aspect of the research. Its current pertinence can also be evaluated by the proposal of a curricular unit to be taught in FAUUSP, associated with this Activities Plan: "Studies and Research: Crossed Readings l Contemporary Architecture Portugal and Brazil" (AUP 5913), with the professors H. Ayoub, M. Bogea and G. Wisnik as responsible teachers. The curricular plan and teaching and will count on AVM and Prof. J. Figueira (University of Coimbra) collaborations. It is intended to create a platform for the dissemination of new lines of research and to test new pedagogical methodologies in the teaching of Architecture. Comprehensive readings on the relations between Portugal and Brazil in terms of architectural and urban production have been studied by AVM since her stay in FAUUSP during her PhD (1999-2004). At the time, her research dealt with the subject from 3 historical perspectives: Brazil post-independence period; Parallel debates on "Neo-colonial" and "Casa Portuguesa"; impacts of the Brazilian modern culture in Portugal (Milheiro, 2005). New professional dynamics have, however, emerged through the work of architects such as A. Siza or P. M. da Rocha. The Iberê Camargo (Porto Alegre, 2008) and the Cars (Lisbon, 2015) museums opened a new cycle in this historical process by testing different design methodologies of public space, connected to different social, economic, productive and environmental contexts, contributing to the consolidation of a transcontinental culture with repercussions in America and Europe (Milheiro, 2015). The AVM approach will essentially focus on the migration dynamics of these creative, technological and spatial models. The Research Program is developed in 3 stages: Empirical research; Support for scientific activity; Disclosure actions. The first phase includes: archival work, bibliographic analysis and documentation survey; visits to case studies (including offices); photographic records and audio/video interviews with privileged agents. In parallel, actions will be taken to support the scientific activity, crucial to the suitability of methodologies and to share academic experiences: seminars with researchers; collaboration in teaching activities; Master and PhD's juries (subject to confirmation). The disclosure will be ensured through: lectures; registration, systematization; articles and monographs resulting from the work team. (AU)