Architecture Between Social Activity and Non-Discursive Art: Conversation with Eduardo Souto de Moura
Architecture Between Social Activity and Non-Discursive Art: Conversation with Eduardo Souto de Moura

Summary/Abstract: During my stays in Porto, I visited the architectural objects of Eduardo Souto de Moura. The shelves of his office contain lots of books devoted to his work. These books naturally include the objects in Porto. It makes me wonder whether these and other works belong more to the architect who designed them or to the cities and places where they are located. In philosophy, architecture is also defined as a collective art. In his text “Le Thoronet,” Souto de Moura describes architecture as a “social art” and emphasizes the importance of “collectivity” in the life of architectural objects. I have noticed that, at least in one of his lectures, he favors the term “social activity” when talking about architecture. “It is better to put quotes around the word ‘art’”—says Souto de Moura—“because I don’t consider architecture to be an art.” I ask him why.

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