Critical spatial practice in the context of art education: The cri_lab sessions conducted at Marquês de Pombal school, in Lisbon

Abstract

The Cri_Lab was an experimental workshop conducted within the context of secondary education (Visual Arts field) and professional education (Communication Design technician Professional Course) for students aged between 15 and 19 years old. Over the course of ten weekly sessions, visual arts methodologies were employed with the objective of challenging students to engage with the school space in a critical and reflective manner. Each session was designed with alignment with the school curriculum and the objectives set by the Portuguese Ministry of Education. The project´s aim was to raise awareness and promote education on themes such as Space and Territory, and how these relate to Art and Culture. This was done with the goal with the goal of contributing to an informed practice of citizenship. This paper will describe the planning and progression of the Cri_Lab sessions. It will also discuss the relevance of the experience for architectural practice and research. This will be done by describing, critically reviewing and listing considerations. Finally, it will consider how the methodology under study might constitute, or inspire, spatial interventions.