This thesis is primarily driven by the research conducted and provocationsmade within the Stage 4 Research Project, “Substance of Beauty: Exploring the Deeper Meaning of Art Nouveau Architecture.” The conclusion of the dissertation piece questions how 21st Century architecture follows a monotonous copy and paste, and whether the values of art nouveau architecture (creativity, craft, the appreciation of nature) can be returned to modern day architectural practice. The art nouveau movement moved across Europe in the early 20th Century, and many buildings inspired by the architectural trends can be found in Portugal. While Porto lacks the typical grand art nouveau buildings in the styles of Brussels, Paris and Barcelona, the history of the movement lingers in hidden side streets and in ornamental details of buildings. An investigation taken while walking through the city resulted in many examples of architecture with varying levels of art nouveau inspiration being found. This therefore determined it would be appropriate to continue the dissertation provocation within the context of Porto. Creativity and beauty is at the heart of art nouveau. The movement harvested passion and the pursuit of craft, and so the thesis project must be translated through an expressive medium. Performance allows one to express emotions and thoughts freely through music and theatre – and so the thesis project would investigate translating the ideals of art nouveau into a modern-day theatrical programme. An additional inspiration lies in the work of Alphonse Mucha. A widely known art nouveau artist, Mucha was heavily inspired by the actress Sarah Bernhardt and his career is regarded to have truly risen after beginning to create theatrical posters for her plays. Some of Mucha’s depictions of Bernhardt in these posters can be seen below in some of the thesis project’s visual illustrations. The research question asks; can a “new” art nouveau be established in the 21st Century, preserving the love and passion of craft but with a better consciousness of the environment?

“The Scene and Unseen” is a play on words which provokes thought on what is usually presented to an audience versus that which is kept behind the scenes. The “scene” describes both the witnessed performance on stage and the typical journey of the public through a theatre, while the “unseen” is the operation of both theatre and buildings, often disregarded. A similarity to this unseen nature can be found in Porto’s craft practices. On visiting Porto it was clear the artistic spirit of the city was alive – within the space of one week many craft and art markets took place, albeit in hidden squares and nooks between streets. Speaking with researchers and hobbyists in the city through craft workshops, it was apparent that many craftspeople wish for a revival of the city’s creative passions such as ceramic tile creation. This thesis project is therefore a love letter to the creatives of Porto and the artists and architects of the 20th Century pushing for joy and beauty to appear in all walks of life. The brief is thus determined: The Scene and Unseen thesis project commands a contemporary theatre which takes inspiration from the ideals of the art nouveau movement, welcoming the people of the city to take part in creative passion. The key space of the auditorium will engage with the natural landscape and the city as a whole, allowing the river and surrounding environment to become a performing character within the city.

“The Scene and Unseen is a window to the unseen creativity and passion of the people of Porto through the lens of theatre. Initial inspiration for the thesis was taken from the art nouveau movement and its high regard for the importance of craftsmanship and a connection to nature. Translating these core values to the dynamics of the 21st Century reveals it is clear we have a different relationship to nature – while art nouveau architecture featured organic motif in its embellishments, in the age of the climate crisis it is important to consider our relationship with the environment and how we can give back to it. The urban realm sets the “scene” while the natural landscape becomes the “unseen”  –  this thesis project attempts to re-introduce the connection between the spaces we build and the existing environment.

THE SCENE: tourist attractions, landmark churches, a vernacular derived from bourgeoisie discoveries and desires.

THE UNSEEN: grand churches found in side streets, hidden artist markets, fading craft practices wishing to be revived.

THEATRE: a creative medium which reveals a narrative to its audience through passion and expression.

The Scene and Unseen thesis project aims to explore how the unseen parts of Porto can be unveiled through an experiential piece of architecture which reveals what is normally hidden in theatre to the public eye. The programme is designed to establish a series of thresholds through which the journeys of the theatre’s visitors will pass and converge. To bring the unseen into the scene this proposal will reveal elements of theatre normally hidden to the public eye, crossing the boundaries of each space to tell a story of creativity, celebration and love.