11.12.21

Llamado a los arquitectos y profesionales del espacio urbano a recuperar nuestras ciudades.

Mi llamado a los arquitectos y profesionales del espacio urbano a recuperar nuestras ciudades.

4.12.19

Youth, protests and the carnival of violence. Is there a place for reasoning?

The following is my response to the concern and interest of my colleagues overseas, in relation to the recent events in Chile (October 18-present).


It is comforting to know that we have this great network of colleagues, who care and can give meaning to these experiences (although often I fail to find it myself). It is true that these situations highlight "a sense of quickening urgency to heal, culturally and ecologically".[1] I would like to add to this mix, that society, particularly our youth, have changed in ways sometimes incomprehensible. Thus, the social crisis in Chile is far from the traditional conflict of class struggle—this is something else. This is a crisis of our democracy, which is expressed in a mix of anti-institutional reactions, social demands, and rights that find no corresponding levels of responsibilities from those calling for them, and unprecedented levels of destruction and violence.[2] Carlos Peña claims that we have a democracy in which freedom is misunderstood, where teachers praise instead of guide and those who lead imitate the young. A lack of interest in rules and norms are confused with utmost freedom that results in “anarchy and anomie”.[3]

One of the many city areas where rampant looting and burning takes place. Photo by Anthony McInneny

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.

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 

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

2.3.10

Earthquake in Chile

Earthquake in Chile

In this critical time for Chile, Architects for Peace would like to extend its deepest sympathy for the lives lost. We also lament the loss and damage of a considerable number of Chilean’s architectural and historical urban heritage.

Chile is a country well prepared for emergency situations, with many response teams having just returned from Haiti. Yet, the magnitude of the earthquake has been unprecedented. Architects for Peace will be ready to do its best to assist in the long road to recovery and reconstruction.

We wish all our Chilean members the best in these difficult times.

Abrazos y fuerza,

The Architects for Peace Team




Some links:
National Chilean Television TVN: http://www.24horas.cl/videos.aspx?id=60951

Thinking of reconstruction: The Chilean Ministery of Urbanism and Housing (MINVU), together with the Chilean Institute of Architects are organising professional volunteers. National and international architects are invited to register--at this stage the focus is on national capacity. Link: http://www.plataformaarquitectura.cl/2010/02/28/pensando-en-la-reconstruccion/#cf7_field_6

7.2.06

Timor Leste: no urban/architectural enquire can be devoid of its social-political context

Timor Leste: no urban/architectural enquire can be devoid of its social-political context
By Beatriz C. Maturana
originally published in arch-peace forum. 2/07/2006

During a short visit to Timor Leste in September 2001, as part of the Australian “Friendship City Relationship” planning team, I was the architect and the de facto translator for my group. As my first language is Spanish, I could easily talk and communicate with East Timorese government officers, students (older than 25), the driver, the lady who cleaned the house and prepared our meals and the people in the markets. Portuguese is close enough to Spanish so communication is easy enough and Tetum, the most widely native language spoken in the country, is impregnated with Portuguese.

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.



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