_i exist by implication_

The Designer

The file uploaded, but the designer was still in control.

Since I spend more than 80% of my time in this room, my wall has grown into Gretchen’s space. I am about to explore the west into Robert’s space. Soon I will have to begin layering in order to keep all things up.

See Photo in High Resolution

As a graphic designer, I wonder about my possible contribution to a social & architectural development project. How can I aid other professionals whose practice and form are key in improving people’s lives while recontextualzing their social condition. How can I help them understand the possibilties that are at hand?

I analyzed the case study of Quinta Monroy at Iquique, Chile. This social housing development project was idealized by architect Alejandro Aravena from the Elemental Group and the Barrio Chile civic organization.

In this case study, and in many others that the group has already finished, Elemental does a wonderful job of working with the community. It understands that in this kind of relationship, understanding social realities is the key to the success of any endeavor. It is not possible to come in with a brilliant idea, impose it and carry it out. If no interest is shown on the community’s opinion, nothing will take place.

Seminars, collaborative sessions, educational exercises, informational meetings… just a small sample of the efforts that Elemental performs to gain confidence and understanding from the members of communities, which are usually skeptical any kind efforts made in order to improve their way of life.

My project concentrates in the touch point between these two groups (architects vs. community members). I explored the possibility of a visualization system to allow a better dialogue between the architetcs’ diagramatic style and a verbally denoted system that allows for the community to develop a sense of ownership and understand that this kind of project is not an imposition, but a template for them to develop within. It’s about realizing the unlimited possibilties.

These are the images of my presentation. You can download a high resolution if you prefer.

Read the rest of this entry »