Entre a caverna e o paraíso. A escola e a cidade

Abstract

Architecture's relation with society is anachronistic, reciprocal and mutually constructive and, as such, it is prone to a continuous reinterpretation and update, both materially and immaterially. This dissertation intends to (re)think the city, design and education, through the study of architecture's relation with society with regard to current socio-economic imbalances and the destructive environmental impact of established modes of production. To do so, relevant contributions from civil society, professional practice and its teaching, in which modes of production are more inclusive and responsible, were collected. Throughout the investigation, marginal communities and subversive actions were studied, as were historical movements and recent tendencies that present discourses or practices that are relevant to the empowerment and participation of citizens in design and planning processes. Moreover, the instrumentalization of design as an aggregating political tool for social development was examined. More than a definite proposal or an enclosed conclusion, here a narrative is presented that tries to show the possible paths to follow in the pursuit of a better society.