Abrigar o Corpo Humano: o têxtil como matéria arquitetónica

Abstract

Sheltering the human body, the premise that gives this dissertation its title, refers to a principle common to both architecture and textiles. It is within this context that this research seeks to explore the dialogue between the two and to understand how textiles can be understood as architectural material. The dissertation is structured around three complementary perspectives that seek to understand textiles in their material, spatial, and sensory dimensions. First, a set of fundamental concepts is gathered to help understand how textiles relate to the origins of architecture and can serve as a starting point for its definition. Of particular note is the perspective of the German architect and theorist Gottfried Semper, whose reflection redefines the origins of architecture by identifying textiles as one of its fundamental precursors. Next, the reinterpretation of architectural elements through the lens of textiles is explored, understanding textiles not merely as a complement but as a material capable of spatially and functionally redefining the elements themselves. Finally, through an examination of the works of artist Petra Blaisse, this study reflects on the contribution of textiles to the construction of the sensory experience of architecture, seeking to understand how textiles influence the perception, atmosphere, and comfort of a space. Textiles are thus considered in this work as a subject of analysis and representation, capable of redefining the construction and experience of architectural space.