March 22, 2022

Architecture

Vítor Murtinho

This research aims to analyze the validity of the concept of Proportion - framed only in the Euclidean genealogy, i.e., using simple instruments that are easy to handle by hand in the field of plane geometry - in the practice of contemporary architectural design, locating the object of study in the Portuguese universe from the mid-twentieth century on.

Dominant throughout the course of architectural history, although theoretically questioned from the 17th century on, this is a concept that, much by force of a somewhat obsessive and speculative faction acting in the late 19th century and first half of the 20th century, saw prejudice against it announce its theoretical decadence, throwing the theme into obscurity. Praised in the past, proportion of classical lineage, now confronted with the new Post-modern paradigm (averse to meta-narratives), spent decades seemingly unable to find its place. The term, as we shall see, showing from early on a persistent difficulty of definition, tended to opt for its strict (systemic) meaning, contributing not only to the sedimentation of erroneous ideas, but also to hide its multiple layers, that is, its inexhaustible richness. In theory, prejudices outlined on three major fronts have instilled the prevalence of an atmosphere of distrust. Contributions from the most significant recent proportional systems, while celebrated for their intellectual worth, would eventually find themselves simultaneously questioned in both their purposes of universality and systematicity. The discomfort regarding the rule, understood as a formula, resulted in contestation that ignored the real potentialities of the tools. In practice, however, the work kept developing silently, proving its capacities for renewal.

As an eminently analytical research, nine of the most renowned Portuguese architects were selected for observation of different methodologies, particularised in two works per author: João Álvaro Rocha, João Mendes Ribeiro, Raúl Hestnes Ferreira, João Luís Carrilho da Graça, Manuel Tainha, Gonçalo Byrne, Aires Mateus, Eduardo Souto de Moura and Álvaro Siza Vieira. A sufficiently robust sample for the validation of the concept in contemporaneity, simultaneously exposing a character trait of Portuguese architecture. As we shall see, an intrinsic dimension resonates within the composition of the analysed examples, in a work that expands from proportional systems to the manipulation of geometric systems and the subtlety of broader strategies, capable of instituting order and meaning to a balanced resolution between the parts and the whole. A technical contribution, instigating poetic supremacy.

Starting from a critical analysis of the state of the art, as a means to the justified formulation of the problematic, the thesis centers towards the exercise of the analysis, a process fulfilled as laboratory work aiming at outlining instrumental and methodological guidelines, capable of confirming the validity of the proportion for the exercise of architecture today. A conclusive synthesis defines the closing note, serving as a basis for future research seeking an updated review of the theory.

Once this validation is confirmed, we see the decoding of instruments and methods capable of providing valuable clues to the professional practice of today's architect, anchoring the theme in a classical continuity with the past, capable of glimpsing solid links for the future of the discipline.

Keywords: Proportion; Geometry; Architecture