The art of Porto Cascade

Manuel Paulo Teixeira, architect who works the configuration of Porto public place, has always approached drawing as a "form of organising ways of thinking and communicating".

For this architect it is a working tool, a routine and a pleasure to which he devotes himself "every day, even just for half an hour. It is my mental gym, it helps me to relax".

In "cascata" (Cascade), Manuel tells tales of a much present landscape in our imagery. It is rather cinematographic. It is something that crafts the beauty of Porto at world level. Not many cities allow for this unique panorama view".

The drawing was the result of a meticulous process, sensitive to change mostly. The scenario "is never the same; it varies throughout the year", the author adds.

"Cascata" is the title of a passion driven project regarding sketch and the city. The video, already circulating through social media, displays the details that are part of the scenario."

Porto almost bursts the paper edges. Unsubdued, plentiful, it outlines basic structure geometry and reaches balance: in this cascade, as in real life, the city joins the river and dominates geography. 

Centuries of cultural heritage that inhabit the entire city. There are sweethearts in the stairs and in the peer, neighbours on the verandas. What one cannot see, one can sense - there is smart life in the narrow and angular streets. There has always been.

Graffiti, China Ink and watercolour. These were the instruments to shape a sketch that involved "drafting and lots of visits to the site", the author concludes.