Art/Architecture/Design: current technologies in the Metro of São Paulo.

Abstract

This thesis investigates the art in the stations of the Metro Company of São Paulo and assesses the possibilities of using current technologies and their constraints, in proposals for permanent and temporary environmental intervention in the public space in question. Beginning with a conceptual, historical and technical repertoire, surveys in the field and interviews conducted with a philosopher with expertise in urban cultures, and with users / viewers / participants, monitors and maintenance technicians during the Itaú Cultural Cybernetic Art Exhibition: Collection (2010) , and the 1st and 2nd of editions of the International Festival of Electronic Language-FILEPAI (2010 and 2011); and artists, the work was aimed at substantiating the hypothesis of the applicability and acceptance of current technologies (Light Emitting Diode-LED, photovoltaic cell, electronic and digital media, language projection) in environmental interventions, with a view to contributing to the qualitative improvement of the space in currently-operating and future stations. To understand the relevance of art inserted into the context of contemporary society and the forms of artistic expression afforded by the use of current technologies, this study presents current concepts of city, public space, public art, both interactive and site specific. It discusses actions funded/co-funded by the government for artistic interventions in the urban landscape of São Paulo and presents considerations on the Incentive Law of the municipality of São Paulo. It analyzes characteristics of works in the environment of the stations, their meanings and constraints. It investigates the perception /reception of technological projects and the social behavior of the users/viewers/participants at the events mentioned. It is demonstrated how artists have been acting with architects in the process of insertion of the artwork, seeking relationships with interdisciplinary and site-specific design concepts, and what these professionals think about these spaces, the significance of the art, of the application of current technologies, the influence of normative rules in the form of creating and implementing possible measures to bring about the presence of art throughout the network. Technological advances are presented that have made possible new languages for the creation, development and construction of objects/works for the contemporary city; practical examples of environmental, with a view toward contemporary art in subway stations internationally; methods of some of the companies and of the cultural politics of the Régie des transports autonome parisiens (RATP). It is ascertained that, technically, it is possible to apply current technologies in temporary and permanent environmental interventions. However, internal and external constraints on the Company have hampered the use not only of these technologies, but also the presence and continuance of public art in the city and on the subway. This makes necessary: the creation of public politics in the field of culture, promotion of the benefits of the incentive law for businesses; disseminating mechanisms for the artists and the public, and review of the academic training of the artist, architect and designer, so that it is multidisciplinary and enable the practice of interdisciplinary projects. The presence of a professional in the field of management that has a broad understanding of the various disciplines involved in the project while still in its design stage and commissions the positions of its authors is crucial to making the interdisciplinary project happen. The interviewees' statements, the technical study, the application of these technologies in the stations and in the international exhibitions mentioned, the extension of the duration of the Cybernetic Art Exhibition and maintenance of stations as exhibition spaces of the International Festivals of Electronic Language have shown acceptance of the technological works.