Anatomia da Saudade
Anatomy of Saudade
Anatomy of Saudade
Graphic
University Aveiro
Master Final Project
Master Final Project
The Anatomy of Saudade project is a multidimensional design study that seeks to explore, understand, and visually communicate the complexity of the feeling of Saudade. This concept, deeply rooted in Portuguese culture, is often described as untranslatable and serves as an integral part of Portuguese emotional heritage and my own hybrid cultural identity.
Through an investigative and creative approach, the project aimed to answer key questions such as:
How can design contribute to a deeper understanding of Saudade? How does design attempt to communicate complex meanings?How can Saudade be visualized through design?
Methodology
To achieve these goals, the project combined theoretical and practical research using a variety of methods:
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Outcomes
The final outcome is an illustrated book, conceived as a mediatic body that synthesizes the significant elements of Saudade. This work is designed for readers interested in Portuguese culture, human emotions, and the ability of design to communicate intricate concepts.
Personal & Cultural Relevance
Inspired by my personal experience as an emigrant, this project is both an autobiographical exploration and a contribution to the study of emotions through design. It highlights the importance of feelings in cultural life and challenges the boundaries of design as a tool for emotional mediation.
Through an investigative and creative approach, the project aimed to answer key questions such as:
How can design contribute to a deeper understanding of Saudade? How does design attempt to communicate complex meanings?How can Saudade be visualized through design?
Methodology
To achieve these goals, the project combined theoretical and practical research using a variety of methods:
- Literature Review: A detailed analysis of the origins, characteristics, and cultural myths surrounding Saudade.
- Personal Testimonies: Collection and analysis of 145 responses to online questionnaires about subjective experiences of Saudade.
- Visual Research: Investigation into graphic and artistic representations of the theme.
- Interpretative Methodology: Development of a visual concept that translates the collected data into a cohesive graphic language.
Outcomes
The final outcome is an illustrated book, conceived as a mediatic body that synthesizes the significant elements of Saudade. This work is designed for readers interested in Portuguese culture, human emotions, and the ability of design to communicate intricate concepts.
Personal & Cultural Relevance
Inspired by my personal experience as an emigrant, this project is both an autobiographical exploration and a contribution to the study of emotions through design. It highlights the importance of feelings in cultural life and challenges the boundaries of design as a tool for emotional mediation.
