Art, technique and market: the architect's work

Abstract

This article reviews the new forms of organization of an architect's work, in the context of the consolidation and dissemination of electronic instruments in the production of architectural design. In this way, it is an understanding of architecture as a product of the tensions between art, technology, and the market. The research uses statements and interviews, initially with 206 architects selected from 91 editions of AU - Arquitetura e Urbanismo from 1985 to 2000 and, subsequently, through interviews with 31 architects of the University of São Paulo's College of Architecture and Urbanism (FAUUSP) that graduated between the years of 1986 and 1990. The first period is particularly significant, since the architect's work experienced considerable changes during these 15 years following the dissemination of information. The second period is interesting, because of the consolidation of electronic instruments in the production of architectural design. This will be relevant as a factor that modifies the organization of the architect's work, contributing to the unsound nature of its labor relations. The hypothesis is that the tensions between art, technology and the market, seen in professional practice since the Renaissance, are exacerbated under the present conditions of production.