A book which challenges traditional views about the nature and future of Latin American architecture has been written by Cambridge architect and lecturer Felipe Hernández.
(Media-Newswire.com) - A book which challenges traditional views about the nature and future of Latin American architecture has been written by Cambridge architect and lecturer Felipe Hernández.
'Beyond Modernist Masters: Contemporary Architecture in Latin America' demonstrates how architecture in this region has previously been represented by the work of only a handful of modern architects.
The book proposes an alternative approach to traditional architecture in the form of case studies from the past 15 years which explore the relationship between Latin American architecture and the rest of the world.
Hernández uncovers the wealth of new architectural practises amongst the younger generation such as the Santo Domingo Library in Medellin, Colombia, by Giancarlo Mazzanti; Alberto Kalach's Liceo Franco-Mexicano in Mexico; and the works of Alejandro Aravena in Chile which he believes are more than capable of holding their own besides the works of their modernist predecessors.
The work of architects in this area of the world is often influenced by social issues, for example, the approach to informal settlements on the outskirts of big cities, the scarcity of housing and public space, the availability of affordable transportation, and the important role of cultural infrastructure such as schools, libraries, and sports facilities which in turn form neighbourhoods. Within this context, the book considers numerous projects that have prompted discussion and provided fresh impetus all across Latin America.
Hernández is also interested in highlighting the importance of informal architecture, such as slums and shanty towns which cover a large proportion of Latin America.
He is now working on architecture in Africa and the Caribbean as it is said to be somewhat similar to that in South and Central America.
He is co-editor of 'Rethinking the Informal City: Critical Perspectives from Latin America', which was released last December, and 'Transculturation: Cities, Spaces and Architectures in Latin America'.
In addition, Hernández has also released the book 'Bhabha for Architects'. This book examines the contribution of postcolonial critic Homi Bhabha to the study and practice of architecture.
After completing his Masters in Architecture and Critical Theory, and a PhD in Architecture at the University of Nottingham, Hernandez taught at various schools of architecture throughout the UK.
He has lectured around the world, from Europe to the USA and South America, at The Bauhaus Dessau Foundation, The National Library Vienna, and Brown University amongst others.
To purchase 'Beyond Modernist Masters: Contemporary Architecture in Latin America' or 'Bhabha for Architects' and for more information please use the links top right of this page.
Related Content
Published by:
N/A
Release Date
This story was released on 2010-02-05. Please make sure to visit the official company or organization web site to learn more about the original release date. See our disclaimer for additional information.