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Sophia Journal Vol. 8 No. 1 | Landscapes of care: photography, film, modern architecture and landscape heritage

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On 20th March, at 6:00 PM, the Portuguese Association of Architects – North Regional Section (OASRN) hosted the awaited launch of Sophia Journal Vol. 8, titled "Landscapes of Care: Photography, Film, Modern Architecture and Landscape Heritage" This edition continues the journal's tradition of critically examining the confluence of image and architecture, marking another successful year of publication.

The event commenced with the official opening of the session by Architect Adriana Floret, OASRN's Culture and Communication area coordinator. Pedro Leão Neto, the Editor-in-Chief, then presented the journal alongside the scopio Editorial project to an audience of students, professionals, and scholars, both onsite and online. Focused on the synergy between photography and architecture, particularly documentary artistic photography, scopio Editions seeks to inspire dialogue and innovation within these fields.

Neto elaborated on scopio's mission, emphasizing its role in fostering intellectual exchange and showcasing its significant impact through a diverse range of publications. The launch also saw the unveiling of Sophia Journal, a peer-reviewed academic journal that complements the scopio initiative, further bridging the disciplines of photography, architecture, and art with a robust academic and creative discourse.

The involvement of the Faculty of Architecture at the University of Porto (FAUP) and its Centre for Studies in Architecture and Urbanism (CEAU), as well as collaborations with international forums, were highlighted as pivotal in enhancing the journal's global stature. Such efforts underscore Sophia's commitment to advancing scholarly and practical discussions across architecture, art, and photography.

An Inspiring Round-Table Discussion

The event was further enriched by a round-table featuring the editors of Volume 8, moderated by Hugh Campbell, Professor of Architecture at University College Dublin. The editors, each bringing a unique perspective, shared their enriching experiences with the journal, underscoring the collaborative spirit and interdisciplinary approach that defines Sophia.

The discussion ventured into the nuanced themes of "Types," "Places," and "Processes," since the journal organised itself through these themes, revealing the depth of analysis and exploration characteristic of Sophia. Hugh Campbell (UCD), along with editors Igea Troiani (LSBU), João Leal (ESMAD), Mark Durden (USW / eCDR), Rikke Munck Petersen (UCPH), and Teresa Ferreira (FAUP), delved into the importance of photography and film in ascribing value to heritage and landscapes. The dialogue underscored the potential of visual mediums to transform perceptions and narratives surrounding architectural and natural environments and the conversation was a testament to the journal's innovative and inclusive approach to modern architecture and landscape heritage.

Starting with Places, Igea Troiani and Mark Durden, emphasized the revealing nature of places through film essays, both fictional and documentary. They highlighted the interdisciplinary richness that emerges when working with colleagues from various fields such as photography, cinema, architecture, and history. The use of photography and film as primary research tools was underscored, emphasizing the assignment of value to images in publications.

João Leal and Rikke Munck Petersen, addressing Processes, discussed the significance of experiential processes in their publications. The essence of being physically present at a location, observing, photographing, and filming it, is crucial. This direct engagement ensures that the places studied are not only documented but deeply experienced, thereby enriching the publication's content.

Addressing Types, Hugh Campbell and Teresa Ferreira talked about the concept of ascribing value to different types of buildings and sites, touching on heritage aspects. The potential of photography and film to assign and sometimes shift value or recognition towards buildings and landscapes was pointed out. This conversation suggests a cyclical process where places and buildings seek acknowledgment and valuation through visual and experiential engagement. 

Uniting all discussions is the underlying theme of the importance and power of visual mediums (photography and film) and direct experience in researching, documenting, and valuing places. Whether through the lens of places, processes, or types, each pair of editors underscores the multifaceted approach to understanding and appreciating the significance of locations, their histories, and their potential heritage value. This collective insight emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach, blending art, history, architecture, and more, to deepen our connection with and appreciation of the spaces around us.

As the round-table concluded, the engagement and passion of the participants were palpable, reflecting a shared commitment to the journal's mission of exploring the intersections of photography, film, architecture, and landscape heritage.

Looking Forward

The successful launch of Sophia Journal Vol. 8 and the accompanying round-table discussion mark a significant milestone in our ongoing exploration of "Landscapes of Care." We are immensely grateful for the contributions of all editors, authors, and participants, whose dedication and insight have been instrumental in the journal's success.

Sophia Journal has been integral to our academic community for over eight years, and it has played a significant role in establishing an international network focused on the intersection of Photography and Architecture.

Thus, as we look ahead, we remain motivated about the continued impact and growth of Sophia Journal within the academic and professional communities, furthering our understanding of the intricate relationship between photography, architecture, and landscape heritage.

Editors of Sophia Journal Vol. 8

Hugh Campbell, Professor of Architecture in the School of Architecture, Planning and Environmental Policy at University College Dublin (UCD)

Igea Troiani, Professor of Architecture and Head of Division for Architecture at London South Bank University (LSBU)

João Leal, artist and full time professor in the Department of Image Arts P.Porto | ESMAD

Mark Durden, Professor of Photography at Newport and Director of European Centre for Documentary Research (USW / eCDR)

Rikke Munck Petersen, Professor at University of Copenhagen, Landscape Architecture and Planning (UCPH)

Teresa Ferreira, Principal Investigator at Center for Studies in Architecture and Urbanism (CEAU) and Chair Holder of the UNESCO Cities and Landscapes. Sustainable Management, Conservation

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