Representing places through its absence: a drawing strategy against the indifference of representation

Abstract

This abstract refers to an ongoing research entitled "Maps Tailored to the Body of Places: Drawing Strategies against the Indifference of Representation", in which we study the importance of the creation and use of images in the representation of places. We question the role of design in this process, which according to Branco & Providência assumes itself as cultural mediation.Given the technological capability of automatic representation of the territory and cities, like the street view mode of Google Maps, we can question if there is still a role for the designer in this process? Is today anachronistic the hand that draws the map? We argue that it is the place that determines the design project. In this sense, we intend to answer these questions through the practical application of design strategies that contribute to stimulate the sense of places. All strategies are based in observational drawing of places landscape, as a privileged tool for the designer. In this particular abstract we approach only one of the strategies adopted in this research — representing places through its absence — applied in three places of Porto city: Clérigos tower, Terreiro da Sé and Dom Luiz I bridge. A mixed method of reflection and action was used. Mental maps were made to identify the places, conciliating them with three techniques adopt in its representation. Techniques like very slow contour drawing, the reserve as a suspension of the elements of the landscape and finally, the deformation of the drawing according to the location of the observer. The set of three techniques applied, synthesizes a design strategy that opposes the indifference of representation. This drawing work is not about creating wayfinding maps, destined to a literal orientation already solved by the technological ubiquity, but about Genius Loci mapping, synthesizing reproducible strategies for other authors.