Descifrando la arquitectura experimental latinoamericana: un enfoque en los detalles constructives realizados con los materiales tradicionales

Abstract

Decoding the Experimental Architecture of Latin America; Focus on the construction details made with traditional materials, it is an analysis and summary of Works of particular interest with the intention to explain projects of great significance for architecture and construction due to its use of materials, leveraging its potentials, innovative systems and structural elements that are made through a process of experimentation. Methods of searching the answers by testing, changing, failing and experimenting, are some of the elaborated focus points. The aim is to show examples of intelligent design where the lack of advanced technology is not considered as a problem, but as an opportunity and a reason for innovation and experimentation by optimizing the use of available materials. Analysis is structured in three groups, defined by the three materials (wood.brick-concrete). Each group contains two examples of the work of architecture, with focus on innovative details. Studied examples made of Wood are: La Escalera de la Casa del Grande by Rafael Iglesia and the Bóveda de Pallets/House Umbráculo de Javier Corvalán; in brick House Abu and Font with the focus on the “cantielevered” slab made of reinforced ceramic brick and Brick Pillars and the Bóveda de Teletón made by architect Solano Benítez; in concrete; Inverted Beams of Altamira by Rafael Iglesia and House Surubí of Javier Corvalán. By decoding experimental architecture and construction of Latin America, one understands the beauty of innovating by experimenting. By building through experimentation and by making the most with what you have, you may relate to the manner of living life. We are all capable to open our minds and try to make conscious quality constructions, modest yet original from the resources that are available to us, researching sustainability and humanity. Built for users and with users. Something different, creative and profound.