MATERIA URBANA: articles

24.6.15 Where Is the ‘Problem’ in Design Studio: Purpose and Significance of the Design Task

Design studios at KTH (Royal Institute of Technology), Stockholm.

Source: International Journal Of Architectural Research - ArchNet-IJAR

ABSTRACT:
"Design studio is characterised by a teaching model that is distinctly suited for problem-solving. Correspondingly, literature, including information produced by Australian faculties of architecture about their courses asserts that design studio is modelled around problem-solving. However, my research into design studio handouts found a common omission in posing a ‘problem’—a problem that would justify a design solution and from which the ´significance´ of the task would derive. I argue that a well-articulated design problem imbues the case with purpose and significance. It also provides a benchmark against which the results can be assessed and verified."

The full paper can be downloaded here.

Maturana, B. (2014). Where Is the ‘Problem’ in Design Studio: Purpose and Significance of the Design Task.International Journal Of Architectural Research: ArchNet-IJAR, 8(3), 32-44.

Retrieved from

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/269096589_Where_Is_the_'Problem'_in_Design_Studio_Purpose_and_Significance_of_the_Design_Task

15.6.15 Valparaíso, puerto y montaña: un desafío [en] pendiente

Fuente: Revista AUS
Autor: Beatriz Maturana

RESUMEN / "Las siguientes reflexiones se enmarcan en un seminario presentado durante la Semana de la Sustentabilidad (mayo, 2014), en la Universidad de Chile. Este seminario se enfocó en el reciente incendio de Valparaíso, el que se contrasta con el incendio que afectó parte del estado de Victoria, Australia (febrero 7, 2009). Ambos incendios se consideran los más devastadores en la historia de estos países.

18.5.15 Conversación con el Arquitecto Miguel Lawner

La discusión en torno al nuevo proyecto para Vicuña Mackenna 20 (VM20), donde se propone la demolición del antiguo edificio, se ha manipulado al punto de crear la impresión de que solo pueden existen dos miradas, excluyentes la una de la otra.

El problema se nos presenta en la forma de dos bandos, o de una dicotomía artificial e intencionalmente impulsada. Por un lado, quienes están por la demolición, justifican esta en pos del "progreso" y de la necesidad de edificaciones para institutos y alumnos de la Universidad de Chile, hacia quienes la Universidad tiene deudas infraestructurales pendientes. Por otro lado, a quienes intentan salvar este edificio patrimonial (reconocido o no) se los demoniza haciéndolos parecer poco solidarios con las necesidades de los demás. Detrás de este discurso, existe otro incluso más perverso—un discurso ideológico y mutuamente excluyente con el que se supone que cada una de estas dos miradas se alinearían—.

Fig. 1: uno de los patios de la Facultad de Arquitectura y Urbanismo. Edificios que Miguel Lawner rescató de ser demolidos.

Por supuesto que ni una ni otra posición puede ser tan estrecha. Extraña además que sea la Universidad, o sus representantes, los que en forma directa o indirecta utilicen este tipo de simplificaciones, las que son notorias por promover la ignorancia y la descalificación de quienes piensan en forma distinta.

23.4.15 La Universidad de Chile y Vicuña Mackenna 20: una actitud "demoledora" que persiste

Carta al Director del Diario Últimas Noticias

Edificio de Vicuña MacKenna 20, obra del arquitecto francés Eugenio Joannon Crozier (1860-1938), que albergó a la Facultad de Ciencias Químicas y Farmacéuticas de la Universidad de Chile

Como académicos de la Facultad de Arquitectura y Urbanismo, U. de Chile, deseamos compartir nuestra preocupación en relación a la inminente demolición del edificio de Vicuña MacKenna 20, lo que hemos expresado a través de una carta abierta al Rector Sr. Vivaldi. La destrucción de este edificio, ex Facultad de Ciencias Químicas y Farmacéuticas, no se condice con el constante progreso de nuestra sociedad, el que se refleja en la creciente apreciación y protección de nuestro patrimonio, tanto cultural como urbano y arquitectónico. Es lamentable que sea la Universidad de Chile la que hoy atenta contra los intereses ciudadanos y patrimoniales de este país, apreciación que es compartida por actores relevantes como el Comité de Patrimonio del Colegio de Arquitectos entre otros.

14.11.13 Viviendas de integración social y la sustentabilidad medio ambiental

The following article was first published in the page of the Institute of Housing, INVI.

Este proyecto de investigación de la académica del INVI Beatriz Maturana ha sido seleccionado en el concurso 2013 del programa Fondecyt Iniciación, que tiene por objetivo fomentar y fortalecer el desarrollo de la investigación científica y tecnológica de excelencia a través de la promoción de nuevos investigadores.

FECHAS: 2013 – 2016
INSTITUCIONES: FONDECYT Iniciación en Investigación. Proyecto No. 11130636
INVESTIGADORES: Beatriz Cristina Maturana Cossio (PhD)

RESUMEN:

Esta investigación tiene por objetivo comprender y dar cuenta sobre la relación entre integración social y sustentabilidad medioambiental, evaluar los resultados y determinar las modalidades específicas de asociación y potenciamiento en dos proyectos claves de vivienda de integración social en Chile, Villa las Araucarias en La Serena, V Región y Casas Viejas en Santiago, Región Metropolitana (2008 y 2009 respectivamente). Estos son unos de los primeros proyectos de vivienda de integración social construidos en Chile, los que por su relativa antigüedad, su ubicación territorial y número de viviendas (en total 968 unidades), constituyen proyectos emblemáticos, que en su fundamentación revelan un cambio significante en la concepción de la vivienda y la integración social en Chile.

23.11.11 Occupy the streets: highlighting the subversive need for a shared reality of values and demands

Following the latest demonstrations around the 'Occupy the Streets' movement, I will explore some of the ideas and questions that have emerged in connection with the Occupy Melbourne. For many reasons that I hope will become apparent as the article unfolds, the following comments do not refer to the actions that took place in other parts of the world.

Poster by Occupy Melbourne,
http://occupymelbourne.org/media/posters-flyers

A few days ago I watched a documentary on Gene Sharp’s works and the alleged role of his book, “From Dictatorship to Democracy” in the success of national struggles for democracy around the world. Sharp discussed the “power of people to change the world” using nonviolent methods. Crucial in Sharp’s message was the key role of planning, strategy and carefully selected demands without which, he claims, nonviolent struggles cannot succeed. The notion that “improvisation will bring greater success is nonsense,” according to Sharp.[1] However, planning, organisation, supported by a clear purpose, were not salient features of the Melbourne Occupy the Streets demonstrations.[2] According to some, a level of organisation took place spontaneously. But, why do I think of Gene Sharp’s ideas in the light of the Occupy movement?

The sentiments of dissatisfaction and impotence for example, towards corporations that abuse the environment and threaten people’s wellbeing, were captured by the Occupy movement. The dissatisfaction is real and the need to express it legitimate—this much came across. The movement in Melbourne succeeded in attracting attention and in gaining the support and sympathy of the general public. However, it lacked the strategy, planning and purpose that Sharp is talking about.

1.6.11 Resetting agendas: a conference in a climate of change

Reflections on the Oxford Conference 2008

This article discusses ‘The Oxford Conference 2008: 50 Years on – Resetting the Agenda for Architectural Education’ aimed to influence architectural education. With delegates from forty-two countries representing every continent there was a manifest change in the composition of the delegates as compared to 50 years ago. On the face of it this would suggest that a more diverse attendance made a difference in the spectrum of issues coming to the forefront: but did it?

Resetting agendas: a conference in a climate of change

This article was first published by Cambridge Journals, ARQ. How to cite the article: Beatriz Maturana (2008). Resetting agendas a conference in a climate of change. Architectural Research Quarterly, 12, pp 209-212 doi:10.1017/S1359135508001127

The original article can be downloaded from: Architectural Research Quarterly

14.9.10 How Spike and the slumdweller find reality in design studio handouts

An exploration of reality in the design studio

Description:
"How Spike and the Slumdweller Find Reality in Design Studio Handouts: An Exploration of Reality in the Design Studio," in ArchNet-IJAR: International Journal of Architectural Research, vol. 4, issues 2/3 (2010).

To download this document please visit: ArchNet-IJAR

How Spike and the slumdwell... by beatriz

24.7.10 IntentCITY: the polical city

IntentCity was the inaugural forum establishing many of the principles of the Architects for Peace. This publication launch will feature contributors to IntentCity and a discussion about social responsibility and the right to the city. Contributors to IntentCity include Dr Darko Radovic, Beatriz Maturana, Dr Kit Lazaroo and Liz Coleman, Marc Purcell, Geoff Hogg, Su Mellersh-Lucas and Mick Pearce.
Editors: Beatriz C. Maturana & Anthony McInneny

24.5.10 In the fantasy world of reconstruction let’s try calling a spade a spade

The notion of reconstruction is complex and involves careful planning of the stages that will comprise at least immediate emergency solutions and then permanent reconstruction. Planning involves a thorough knowledge of the areas in questions. The staging needs to be conceived in a manner that facilitates a smooth transition from one stage of the process to the next. Unfortunately this is not easy to achieve and as I saw in Managua, Nicaragua almost three decades after the earthquake, inappropriate planning can later prevent the implementation of permanent appropriate solutions. For instance, I am referring to one of the many cases in which a “temporary” market solution became a permanent ill conceived feature, which determined most of what later developed around. Reconstruction in some of the poorest regions of the world carries the danger that emergency solutions will become permanent features and we need to be aware of this.

Container solution for Haiti. Image source: Inhabitat [1]

Collapsed infrastructure in Santiago, Chile. Image source: AP Photo/David Lillo

9.3.10 arch-peace news and articles: Notes on the Earthquake in Chile

arch-peace news and articles: Notes on the Earthquake in Chile
(one week after the 27 February 2010 earthquake)

Church of San Jose de Chimbarongo now. (Photo: Marisol Acevedo, 2010).

The earthquake in Chile and consecutive three tidal waves of between 10 to 20m height (accounts vary), affected an area approximately 800 km long. In this long and narrow country defined by extreme climate and geographic conditions...

Find this article here

13.3.08 Melbourne CBD, its close neighbours and its greater rest: a question about public transport, equity and urban quality

The following notes were written for the presentation delivered at the Sustainable Living Festival, under the title of Sustainable Transport – Visions for Victoria in 2010. It contains all what I didn’t say and some bits of what I actually spoke about. Public transport is an ongoing issue for cities in Australia and it is one that we hope will drive all the professions of the built environment to jointly address it as a critical urban issue. I would appreciate comments or questions that could assist to further develop these ideas.

Melbourne CBD, its close neighbours and its greater rest: a question about public transport, equity and urban quality

Melbourne is a city fractioned not only spatially but also in our perception of what Melbourne involves. Think for a moment about the dichotomy between the notions of ‘city’ and suburbs as opposed to city and its centre—the first referring to what the city is and the suburbs are not, with the latter referring to an entire city with a centre. This fractioned notion of Melbourne coincides—whether by mere chance or design—with the delimitations defined the extent of its public transport. Quality public transport means a transport service that offers at least two reliable transport modes (underground, buses, perhaps although less efficient for a large metropolis, trains and trams), frequent, direct, affordable, available day and night (including weekends) and accessible by a five minutes walk.

10.3.06 Environmental development and sustainable society

Environmental development and sustainable society Architects for Peace Editorial, March 2006

This editorial was also published in Planning News:
Maturana, Beatriz C. "Environmental Development and Sustainable Society." Planning News 32, no. 3 (April 2006): 20.

Together with social and economic sustainability, the emphasis on environmental sustainability is present in most of today’s urban development frameworks. Environmental sustainability will be constantly reiterated throughout the documents that inform about the proposals. Its goals graphically reinforced with images of ecologically blissful settings. Evocative images of clean watercourses, blue skies, timber bridges, native fauna and flora, are shared across the environmentally sustainable heading of the document and the marketing of the “place”. In some cases similar images will also appear under the heading of tourism, or eco-tourism.

6.3.05 Prevention, assistance and reconstruction

This article was originally published in Planning News: Maturana, Beatriz C. "Prevention, Assistance and Reconstruction." Planning News - Victoria 31, no. 5 (2005): 19.

Prevention, assistance and reconstruction

March 2005

The split response

On the days following the Indian Ocean Tsunami disaster we had many existing and new members asking about our tsunami related activities. Architects for Peace does not dismiss the idea that in the future we could have teams of volunteers ready to contribute in this type of emergency. However, central and prior to any involvement is an analysis of the situation, from a moral/ethical point of view. This is what makes AFP different to other organisations and where our strength and relevance lies. A critical analysis of how we can best respond to such situations from the perspective of the urban domain makes us aware of our potential manipulation by political interests seeking to pursue their own agendas, even in situations as unexpected and devastating as the Tsunami disaster. It is wise to be mindful of fear, greed, complicity or complacency acting to undermine and distort humanitarian compassion.

1.1.05 The Buka–Hatene Community Learning Centre: Community Building in Timor Leste

The Buka–Hatene Community Learning Centre: Community Building in Timor Leste

The Buka-Hatene (Want to Know) Community Learning Centre is one of the most ambitious projects undertaken by the Friends of Baucau to date. The process of development of the centre brings about many questions regarding the depth of our (Australian) knowledge of the Timorese nation and about our capacity to embrace it without impositions on our part. This paper aims to evaluate the process of realising the Buka-Hatene Community Learning Centre project in the context of the cultural, environmental and economical realities of Timor Leste.

10.10.03 Federation Square and the Public Realm: Is this the new heart of Melbourne?

Federation Square and the Public Realm: Is this the new heart of Melbourne?

Federation Square presented the city with the opportunity to achieve the civic space for which Melbourne had been longing for the last 150 years. Without doubt, Federation Square, as a whole has become a landmark for the city. However, if this urban space was developed to satisfy a public interest, has it achieved this aim? In my many visits to understand this place and its day-to-day activities, I noticed something curious, except for those who work there, very few people are going about in their daily business. I am interested in the role of Federation Square in regards to the claim that it has become Melbourne`s new civic heart, a “community space”, the link between the city and the river and with the issue of who has, as expressed by Henri Lefebvre, “the right to the city”. The new Federation Square, the size of a city block, occupies a pivotal part of the City of Melbourne. It houses the indigenous galleries at the Ian Potter Centre of the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI), the Melbourne Visitors Centre, SBS Television Studios and the BMW Edge amphitheatre. Claims Opinions on the success or otherwise of Federation Square vary widely; while Professor Miles Lewis describes it as a “great missed opportunity” and “something of an embarrassment”, Peter Seamer (CEO Federation Square) has compared it to the “St Mark`s Square or Piccadilly Circus” stating that, “it is the centre of Melbourne”.

B. Maturana, “Federation Square and the public realm: is this the new heart of Melbourne?” Planning News – Victoria, vol. 29, No.9, 2003, pp.8-11

Federation Square and the P... by beatriz

10.5.03 Thoughts on the restoration of basic human and professional ethics

Thoughts on the restoration of basic human and professional ethics
Published in Planning News, Volume 29 No. 3 May 2003
In response to the article “Dreaming of Baghdad” (Planning News, Volume 29 No. 3 April 2003)

War on Iraq is illegal, unjustified and a crime. Surely the prevention of war and the consequent destruction should be debated by planners and not presented as an opportunity for innovative planning or worse, ardently supported as a way to “suggest” western planning standards.

The refusal by Australia to support the UN is central to any discussion before any cake is divided up between coalitions or consortiums of willing planners “Dreaming of Baghdad”.

Basic professional ethics should have motivated us to oppose this war and the subsequent murdering of civilians, the destruction of their infrastructure and heritage. It is not acceptable that we "professionals" will profit from the reconstruction of Iraq - this is immoral and unethical. As professionals we should continue to denounce the practice of profiting from people's suffering and the violations of their human rights, the destruction of their cities and environment, their sovereignty and dignity.