Public defence in Scenography and Costume Design, M.Eng. (landscape architect) Jari Aaltonen

The title of the thesis: Park as a work of art -Three parks in Helsinki, from the perspective of park design and expanded scenography

Doctoral student: Jari Aaltonen
Opponent: DA Liina Unt, Estonian Academy of Arts, Estonia
Custos: Prof. Outi Lahtinen, Aalto University School of Arts, Design and Architecture, Department of Film

Thesis available for public display 10 days prior to the defence at: https://aaltodoc.aalto.fi/doc_public/eonly/riiputus/

This dissertation explores three public outdoor spaces located in the Helsinki inner city from the perspectives of park design, expanded scenography and pragmatic art philosophy. The case studies are examined as scenography and art, but also through the practices and usability they generate, as everyday practices are part of parks and their art experience. 

The concept of art, in which only part of the park is seen as art and part as vegetation, excludes other ways of viewing. An entire park can function as art, not just a statue on a pedestal. Through the research material, it can be seen how concepts and practices of theatre and scenography can also be utilized in the design of public outdoor spaces, which means that art can be understood much more broadly than is customary in traditional park design.

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Doctoral theses in the School of Arts, Design and Architecture: https://aaltodoc.aalto.fi/handle/123456789/54
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