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Idea by

Sofia Ponte and Joana Mourao

Sofia Ponte

Rua Barão de São Cosme, Porto, Bonfim, Portugal
Sofia Ponte teaches art theory and related fields at University of Porto. She holds a PhD in Art and Design and a master in Visual Culture. Ponte has several essays published on recent art. She is i2ADS/FBAUP associate member. Joana Mourão holds a PhD in Dynamics and Urban Forms. She is a specialist in urban and housing policies. Mourão is a regular lecturer at several universities and is associate member of IN+/IST. Ponte and Mourão blend their fields of interest irregularly since 2004.

Call for ideas 2019

Devices for Medi(t)ation


A Post Via Sacra for Passion and Regeneration

Devices for Medi(t)ation


A Post Via Sacra for Passion and Regeneration
Exploring urban space mediated messages by adding a performative realm to its public sphere
File under
Type of project
  • New alliances

Our project is an opportunity to debate urban heritage, highlighting public space as a prime location for the foundation of world views. Based on the concept of via-sacra we suggest an urban intervention as a way of empowering the audiences that enjoy this “praxis” of mediated messages. As the act of exchange is intrinsic to the public sphere, three devices were designed with the purpose to fortify a dialogue between its users and passerby’s. These devices allow to troubleshoot some of the conflicts occurring in cities. We consider our project as a “Post Via Sacra” in an era where heritage has an emergent role. The touristification of cities is transforming the meaning of heritage. This phenomenon, while overvaluing urban legacy, alienates people from its collective memory. Tourism is flattening our knowledge about the design and the meaning of urban landscapes. Our devices bring a critical experience helping to regenerate the city and to delineate supplementary paths to its future.



Diverse inputs for the conceptual project. © SP and JM.

Three sketches for the devices design. © SP and JM.

Technical drawings for the devices execution. © SP and JM.

Rough model for site specific installation at Largo da Condessa do Juncal, Guimaraes, Portugal. © SP and JM.

Devices for Medi(t)ation


A Post Via Sacra for Passion and Regeneration

Devices for Medi(t)ation


A Post Via Sacra for Passion and Regeneration
Exploring urban space mediated messages by adding a performative realm to its public sphere
File under
Type of project
  • New alliances

Our project is an opportunity to debate urban heritage, highlighting public space as a prime location for the foundation of world views. Based on the concept of via-sacra we suggest an urban intervention as a way of empowering the audiences that enjoy this “praxis” of mediated messages. As the act of exchange is intrinsic to the public sphere, three devices were designed with the purpose to fortify a dialogue between its users and passerby’s. These devices allow to troubleshoot some of the conflicts occurring in cities. We consider our project as a “Post Via Sacra” in an era where heritage has an emergent role. The touristification of cities is transforming the meaning of heritage. This phenomenon, while overvaluing urban legacy, alienates people from its collective memory. Tourism is flattening our knowledge about the design and the meaning of urban landscapes. Our devices bring a critical experience helping to regenerate the city and to delineate supplementary paths to its future.



Diverse inputs for the conceptual project. © SP and JM.

Three sketches for the devices design. © SP and JM.

Technical drawings for the devices execution. © SP and JM.

Rough model for site specific installation at Largo da Condessa do Juncal, Guimaraes, Portugal. © SP and JM.


Idea by

Sofia Ponte and Joana Mourao
Sofia Ponte
Rua Barão de São Cosme
Porto, Bonfim
Portugal
Sofia Ponte teaches art theory and related fields at University of Porto. She holds a PhD in Art and Design and a master in Visual Culture. Ponte has several essays published on recent art. She is i2ADS/FBAUP associate member. Joana Mourão holds a PhD in Dynamics and Urban Forms. She is a specialist in urban and housing policies. Mourão is a regular lecturer at several universities and is associate member of IN+/IST. Ponte and Mourão blend their fields of interest irregularly since 2004.