The exhibition dedicated to the work of the architect Eduardo Souto de Moura, which is presented to the public at the Palazzo della Ragione, in Mantova, is entitled “Architettura sulla storia”, a complex title subject to different interpretations.
Nature is a construction. Architecture, perhaps in its most beautiful definition, that of Schinkel, “is the continuation of nature in its constructive process”. In this sense, all places and all works have a construction and a history. Hence terms such as “historic center” or “historic city” are imprecise and non-operative. All projects intervene on something constructed, in addition to summoning a set of other references, which refer to problems of other contexts, programs, periods, or even to the (arbitrary?) will of the authors.
Given the ambiguity of the title of this brief exhibition, all works of architecture could be, even if indirectly, covered by it. We suggest limiting the set of works exposed to interventions in pre-existing buildings, a possible “theme” within the architect's vast production. The collective selection of projects, always partial and incomplete, includes eight works from the last four decades. The projects are presented at different stages of their elaboration, seeking to briefly clarify the method of approach of each one. It will be clear that for ESM there is no way to intervene in a construction that is predefined in a letter or theory. The varied concepts of intervention, often complementary and contradictory, are unconsciously summarized in the project, depending on the constraints and the author. The past (which, moreover, is also invented), if it is an element of the project, it will be unconsciously so, so that the author does not allow himself to be paralyzed. Souto de Moura never starts a project by studying the history of a place. It seeks to recognize, above all, the most appropriate way of intervening to the specific problems posed. History emerges, in his words, as a form of “confirmation of the project”, rather than as an operative datum acquired a priori.
As an architect - I'm not a theorist or historian - this is a brief summary of my personal experience working with Eduardo over the last twenty-five years. I believe that the patent works will be able to confirm it.
Porto, April 2022