54 – Arq.U.I: Arquitetura e Urbanismo Independentes – Independent Architecture and Urbanism.
This text is a translation of
the text originally published in Brazilian Portuguese on July 28, 2024 (See 01
– Arq.U.I: Arquitetura e Urbanismo Independentes: https://arquiteturaeurbanismoindependentes.blogspot.com/2024/07/arqui-arquitetura-e-urbanismo_28.html).
The terms “independent music”
and “independent music production” may be applied to several musical segments. Independent
music can be distinguished from mainstream comercial music, which aims
quantitative repercussions. In order to "provide for their livelihood
independently”, independent artists seek “ways to undertake and make a living
from art” (ARAÚJO and BENATI, 2018, p. 01). Independent artist can be defined
as “a musician who seeks to maintain himself/herself in music scene through
his/her own efforts, without being tied to institutions or other professionals”
(ARAÚJO and BENATI, 2018, p. 02).
The term "independent
journalism" refers to journalistic practices that are not tied to
"large groups of media companies, organizations, and political
parties," adopting "a critical stance in confronting facts" and
refuting "the supposed impartiality advocated by traditional media"
(HORN, 2022, p. 3-4). The editorial process is not subordinated to hegemonic
segments, such as business groups or public institutions.
During an interview, Podestá
(2014) explains that he practices "architecture in Minas Gerais (namely,
the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil)," because Brazil has the size of the
national territory and the cultural and geographic diversity so huge that
architecture are prevented from being sufficiently represented by buildings
located in a city or even a metropolis. Podestá (2014) notes that the "São
Paulo school," the "Rio de Janeiro school," the "Pernambuco
school," the "Bahia school," etc. represent architectures
created in specific places. The expression "Brazilian architecture",
therefore, encompasses lots of architectures and cannot be enoughtly
represented by a few examples.
By using the expression "independent architecture and urbanism," I'm not making manifestos or enunciating styles and/or trends. I'm presenting texts on topics related to architecture and urbanism. Intellectual and cultural autonomy do not deny the relevance of interactions with professionals dedicated to civil construction. Learning stems from personal and non-transferable efforts, but it does not occur in absolute isolation. Independent thinking does not mean, necessarily, impartial thinking. Facing theses, dissertations, scientific articles, interviews, reports, etc., independent thinking may present agreements or disagreements. There is much to be learned. Study is an act of existence and persistence.
References:
ARAÚJO, R. C.; BENATI, R. I. A
formação e atuação musical de um artista independente. In: XI Encontro
Regional Sudeste da Associação Brasileira de Educação Musical, 2018. São
Carlos, São Paulo: Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR).
HORN, A. T. A.. O perfil
editorial do jornalismo independente no Brasil e na França. Revista FAMECOS,
v. 28, p. 1-15, 2022.
PODESTÁ, S. E.. ARQUITETURA E
URBANISMO PARA TODOS: interview Sylvio de Podestá: part 1. [S. I.]:
Arquitetura e Urbanismo para todos, April 23, 2014. Available on the website https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4_c6uYJ0860&t=73s.
Accessed on March 17, 2024.