scopio Editions at RIBA Photo Festival: Exploring Architectural Photography
by Pedro Leão Neto, University of Porto
RIBA Photo Festival study day: collecting architectural photography
PT/ENG
On November 10th, 2023, the RIBA Photo Festival study was enriched by the presentation of the scopio editorial project. Presented by Pedro Leão Neto, a lecturer and researcher at FAUP (Faculty of Architecture, University of Porto), and the coordinator of scopio Editions and the Architecture, Art, and Image (AAI) research group within the Centre for the Study of Architecture and Urbanism (CEAU), this event was a captivating journey into the world of architectural photography.
Unlocking Architectural Discourse and Ideas: scopio Editorial Project
Titled "scopio Editorial Project: A Catalyst for Architectural Discourse and Ideas," the presentation smoothly integrated RIBA’s diverse program featuring an international array of speakers, including esteemed specialists and emerging scholars.
The study day began with an engaging panel discussion about the archives and collections of architectural photography. This was followed by individual presentations, fostering lively debates on topics such as the significance of photography in architecture and the future of this medium in our digital age.
Pedro Leão Neto's Insightful Presentation
During this enlightening session, Pedro Leão Neto had the privilege of introducing the scopio editorial project to an audience comprised of specialists and scholars in the field. At its core, scopio Editions focuses on contemporary photography related to architecture, the urban landscape, and territories. Neto delved into the "why" and "how" of scopio, elucidating its nuclear role in stimulating discussions and nurturing ideas within the realm of architecture through the lens of photography.
Moreover, the presentation highlighted the tangible impact of this editorial endeavour, manifesting in a remarkable series of publications in both magazine and book formats. Additionally, the creation of two online academic journals on the U.Porto OJS platform—Sophia Journal and scopio Magazine AAI—was unveiled, bridging the worlds of photography, architecture, and art.
An Inspiring Lineup of Speakers
The RIBA Photo Festival study day was enriched by a distinguished set of speakers, each contributing their unique perspective:
Angelo Maggi, an associate professor of the history of photography and architectural history at Università Iuav di Venezia, Italy.
Richard Pare, a renowned photographer and the founding curator of the photography collection at the Canadian Centre for Architecture.
Gary Van Zante, curator of architecture, design, and photography collections at the MIT Museum.
Irena Murray HonFRIBA, an esteemed architectural historian and curator, chaired the event.
Ágnes Anna Sebestyén, an art historian and curator at the Hungarian Museum of Architecture and Monument Protection Documentation Centre, brought her insights to the table.
Neal Shasore, the Head of School and Chief Executive at the London School of Architecture, shared his expertise.
Marco Iuliano, an Italian architect teaching at the University of Liverpool School of Architecture (LSA), provided valuable perspectives.
The event was skillfully moderated by Iñaki Bergera, a photographer, architect, and Full Professor at the University of Zaragoza.
The rich programme of RIBA Photo Festival included The Colin Rowe Lecture series, which had as invited speaker the Swiss-French photographer Hélèn Binet, as well as the Wide-Angle View photography exhibition, with RIBA´s curator tour and Editor of the exhibition´s catalog Valeria Carrulo.
The Colin Rowe Lecture series aims to discuss the role of the image in architecture, particularly the crucial role of architectural photography and Hélène Binet presented as with a brilliant speech, summarizing some of the most significant moments of her work over a period of more than 35 years that has captured both contemporary and historic architecture.
The Wide-Angle View photography exhibition looks at Manplan and presents photography from renowned professionals such as Ian Berry, Patrick Ward and Tony Ray-Jones at RIBAS’s Architecture Gallery in central London which is free and open to all.
The RIBA Photo Festival study day was a vibrant exchange of ideas and inspiration, shedding light on the important intersection of architecture and photography, and scopio Editions proved to be an interesting and critical editorial motto that contributed for the enrichment of this discourse.
Research group 'Architecture, Art and Image — AAI' CEAU.FAUP
FAUP SIGARRA
SCOPIONETWORK WEBSITE
SOPHIA JOURNAL | AAI OJS WEBSITE
scopio Editions is an independent publisher closely affiliated with the Faculty of Architecture of the University of Porto (FAUP) and its Research and Development Centre for Architecture and Urban Studies (CEAU). The scope of interest for scopio Editions broadly encompasses Architecture, Art, and Image (AAI), with a particular focus on Documentary and Artistic Photography related to Architecture, the City, and Territory.
scopio Editions operates with a dynamic structure, featuring both periodic and non-periodic publications. Its primary objective is to disseminate various works and authors who engage with or investigate the AAI field through a critical, exploratory, and innovative approach. The central emphasis is on Photography associated with Architecture, the City, and Territory.