Connecting people with architecture: architecture’s new role in developing countries

Abstract

Architecture is part of everyone’s daily life, we live in buildings, and our life is an ongoing transit between open and enclosed spaces. One of the main attractions for a tourist is definitely architecture. Architecture, urbanism and tourism involve several players. Among them are travel agencies and organizations that promote specialized trips. Arquexplora is the result of my background as an architect, twenty five years as an independent traveler, and my experience as a product manager in Tarannà, an Adventure Travel Company. We created a new concept of specialized trips, focused on vernacular architecture, heritage and culture, which supports a tourism based on a sustainability model that may benefit the local dwellers. Our trips are geared to the general public and professionals, so that architecture will act as a window to discover culture as whole. Arquexplora connects people with architecture, drawing a special attention to rural areas where locals keep their traditional ways of living. We aim to create awareness of the value of an outstanding material and intangible heritage, its potential as a tool for development and the need to preserve it. I want to share my experience and highlight some concepts and ideas towards creating new models of travelling and understanding the interaction between architecture and people. Arquexplora looks forward to become a platform to develop sustainable tourism projects of easy access for communities in developing countries and explore a new approach to tourism while minimizing its impact.