this photographic project focuses on three urban markets in portugal, each undergoing different phases of renewal: mercado de arroios in lisbon, mercado do bolhão in porto, and mercado dos lavradores in funchal. the aim was to document and catalogue the distinctive features and underlying character of these places while they were being subjected to significant alterations and changes. extensive photographic investigations were conducted at the sites during a three-year period, involving numerous reconnaissance photo-walks. the work was inspired by gordon cullen’s investigative photographic explorations in towns and cities, which he collated in his seminal text townscape (1961). this material provided a framework to navigate the complex interplay of forms, features and experiences that i encountered within each market.
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introduction
this visual journal of photographs addresses a timely and recurring issue taking place in cities around the world: the wholesale renewal of urban markets into modernised sites of commerce. many urban markets have altered significantly in recent years as a result of economic stresses, with some being forced to close altogether. others have been transformed and renovated into new shopping colonnades and fast food outlets, usually very different from their traditional incarnations.
this photo-essay is a visual enquiry into three urban markets in portugal, each experiencing different aspects of renewal: mercado de arroios in lisbon, mercado do bolhão in porto and mercado dos lavradores in funchal. over three years, i undertook numerous investigative photo-walks to survey and catalogue the uniqueness of these places before they altered forever.
in gordon cullen’s townscape (1961), the author meticulously collects photographic evidence of characterful details in towns and cities. cullen diligently categorises these images, explains their significance and reflects on their impact in the wider urban landscape. i used this text as a map to guide my photo-walks and to help locate features contributing towards the ‘character’ of the markets. ultimately, i expand upon and complement cullen’s ‘casebook’ by adding a new category of urban details: mise-en-scène. the intention is to capture the theatrical interplays and expressions that are unfolding spontaneously in the various locations throughout the sites.
