International architecture workshop
On June 1, the “Modern Architecture in Ecuador” workshop was held, where both specialists and students of this branch made known their different opinions and appreciations of the country's architectural structures.
To inaugurate this event, the Rector of the University, Francisco Salgado, mentioned: “This is a space where the teacher and the apprentice can share together. Form follows function, it certainly has a more important meaning for us culturally, how we value what is ours, how we create this identity and how young people will participate so that our heritage is recognized around the world ”.
Catalina Tello, executive director of the National Institute of Heritage and Culture (INPC), presented the architectural background in the country, based on the appreciation of modern architecture, an input for the development of the heritage valuation methodology in Ecuador.
This event had national and international exhibitors who identified and evaluated different national heritage architectural structures. Iván Sinchi, who began with his presentation at this event, mentioned that in order to understand modern architecture, one must know the process and its heritage valuation based on a strategy.
“The guarantee is in the documentary effort, in the case of architecture in the plans and offices of architects, but in the case of architectural works that may not be made by architects, one could speak of traditional rural houses. Well, documenting the process is very important ”.
This was followed by presentations of the different perceptions of the speakers.
María Samaniego, architect from the Faculty of Architecture and Urbanism of the Central University of Ecuador, pointed out the importance that should be given to sites, neighborhoods and landscapes, aligning herself with the different national and international instruments.
Regarding the environment of the heritage structures or areas, he stressed that "they are defined as the characteristic natural environment, and that they must be managed, so as to maintain their cultural significance and distinctive character."
For example, in a study he carried out at the Quito hotel, which was designed by an American architect, the Andean landscape of the city was captured, followed by elements of traditional Quito architecture.
Later, Stefania Landi, who has a PhD in Architectural Restoration at the University of Pisa, elaborated on the problems and aspects linked to collective interests, from the social, economic and cultural spheres.
In addition, he announced that in 1992 Italy imposed a time limit of 50 years for contemporary architecture of private property and 70 years for public buildings, during this period they can be modified, destroyed or abandoned, thus, while the critical historians they recognize the value of these works.
On the other hand, he said that "architectures that are built with exclusive functional intentions, such as a residential building, usually acquire value through a respective historical, appreciating aspects that could not be deduced at the time of construction."
UDA Correspondent
