The Scene and Unseen – Proposal
“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.
