by Cesar Murillo
Paz Gutierrez, Chilean architect and architecture professor at UC Berkeley, founder of BIOMS: an interdisciplinary research initiative intersecting architecture and bio-engineering with principles of design and bio-physics, presented a discussion about her research and work as an
architect in Latin America and now professor in the US.
In this informal discussion, we hoped to discuss the differences between the Latin American VS. Western(American) approach to architecture, how one's background influences/shapes our
design values, how she combines the life of a woman and mother in the usually-male-dominated field.
Paz admits that the differences between US and Latin American architecture exist in the actual practice, rather than any said style. The rigidity of existing codes in our country. She believes that the specificity of these and the large-sized projects in the US create too many conflicts, as these become more difficult to handle and worsens communication among parties.
In South America, projects are not on the classification of high-end 'contemporary architecture'--yet have a closer relationship with the skill of laborers and smaller scale of towns. "There's a finer attention to details," says Paz.
US architecture does not have a defined aesthetic, for projects become a product of multiple backgrounds and identities. On the other hand, she uses the Spanish word 'sobrio'--(or sober, moderated) to define Latino work, "more exquisite, differences in taste...less cheesy and flashy."
Nonetheless, she concluded by stating that the US has more rigid rules for creating architecture, yet a stronger framework of leadership. Unfortunately, Paz recognizes that in Latin American countries like Chile, Peru, and Brazil, have very little funding. "We need new generations, new leaders who will fund these projects."
[check out more about Paz, http://www.bioms.info ]
