In modern design, where innovation intertwines with artistry, the showcase “Ligações” by Miguel Vieira Baptista unfolds as a compelling journey through form, material, and storytelling, envisioned as an assemblage of objects, this exhibition draws inspiration from a universal glass of water, delving into the profound national decisions shaped by this seemingly commonplace yet influential element.
Ligações | miguel vieira baptista | © Bruno Lança
Miguel Vieira Baptista, born in Lisbon in 1968, embarked on his design journey at the IADE in Lisbon and the Glasgow School of Art. Since founding his studio in 2000, Baptista has been a driving creative influence, crafting projects that effortlessly navigate the domains of objects and spaces. Each narrates a distinctive story.
Collaborating with ARTWORKS and with the support of OTIIMA, “Ligações” is set to grace the stages of the Porto Design Biennale. This noteworthy event has sparked debates, embraced diverse perspectives, and fostered discussions that enhance the capacity of design to craft innovative solutions for collective challenges.
Ligações | miguel vieira baptista | © Bruno Lança
Perhaps his most famous principle, “Less is more,” summarizes Mies’ approach to design: stripping away the unnecessary to reveal the essential. His buildings are characterized by clean lines, open floor plans, and an absence of ornamentation. This philosophy encourages architects to prioritize spatial clarity and material integrity, resulting in modern and enduring structures.
© Tomeu Canyellas
1. Heydar Aliyev Center – Zaha Hadid
1. Heydar Aliyev Center – Zaha Hadid
At the heart of “Ligações” lie materials meticulously chosen to breathe life into Baptista’s vision. OTIIMA rubble profiles, aluminium sheets, rubble glass, vinyl printing on MDF, and projection screens converge in a harmonious dance of technical prowess. The technical definition, cutting, bending, and printing processes are the intricate brushstrokes that bring this artistic symphony to life.
Curated and designed by Miguel Vieira Baptista himself, “Ligações” is not just an exhibition, but a visual narrative intricately woven into the fabric of the Porto Design Biennale program. ArtWorks is responsible for the construction, production, and assembly of the exhibition system.
Ligações | miguel vieira baptista | © Bruno Lança
What makes “Ligações” genuinely distinctive is its sustainable ethos. The exhibition design ingeniously repurposes OTIIMA’s recycled window profiles, embodying a commitment to environmental consciousness and the transformative power of design.
As you step into the world of “Ligações,” be prepared to embark on a sensory journey guided by water’s elemental grace and infused with Miguel Vieira Baptista’s artistry. This exhibition celebrates the convergence of design and innovation and invites you to contemplate the intricate connections that shape our collective narratives.
