Entre Estratégias. Por um desenho mais consciente

Abstract

Endless, discontinuous strings of man-made territories: these are the spaces in which we collectively dwell. Numerous communities willingly or forcefully coming together; interweaving new layers of urban narratives. Fields of contradiction, constant turmoil, and ambivalence regularly projecting themselves on our definition and perception of these scenarios. Richard Sennett1 regards them as cells2 - elemental life-shifting organisms. Around them hover several particles of such complexity, moved predominantly by other agents. The chance to imbue all these characteristics into the membrane of a cell may generate chaos, but also order within diversity. The way we act upon these cells should not be based on careless intuitions or segregating values. Throughout history, we have been confronted with disparate visions of shared grounds. The Charter of Athens3 is a paradigmatic case as a sign of reaction. The work of Le Corbusier has showed a way-out for the blowback of the industrial revolution. It urged a significant revaluation of way of spatial structure and consequent use. Counter manifesting acts eventually arose, revealing deep flaws in Corbusier's idyllic plan. This is not an only-occurrence, but, due to the fleeting condition of perishable human nature, a repetitive cycle. Manifests appear to have a limited time frame of pertinence, for 'space' is something unpredictable, constantly in motion. To some extent, this investigation sparks from a reaction to past reactions. It seeks to learn new ways of perceiving the potential of architecture and our active roles within cities, society, and everyday life. There is no linear process to this approach. Nor should we take it lightly. The aim of this investigation is therefore not about finding an ideal even scenario, instead to optimize its current imbalance. It is about grasping its diverse, incomplete and ambiguous nature, so to better understand the role of each participant. Bearing this in mind, mouldable strategies for inclusivity can be openly defined. This requires a transdisciplinary and multileveled mindset. In close articulation with specialists and communities, we can start rethinking our spaces as safer, educative, dynamic fields of interaction. Only within this rhythm of dialogue we find the possibility for a porous urban condition.