Comment of the Holcim Awards 2005 Jury for Latin America
Addressing both a challenging geographic and social condition, the project puts forward an innovative scheme with positive impact for the local community. The project is skillfully situated, taking maximum advantage of the steep slope to create a variety of social spaces.
Additionally, the placement of the residential units is conceived as counter measure to the danger of landslides. Also commendable is the sensitive consideration for the diverse qualities of indoor and outdoor communal life. Taking a cue from existing features of such communities, the intervention of the numerous stair elements and pedestrian paths is a positive contribution in that it eliminates the need for mass relocation of families.
Water drainage is incorporated in this circulation system, displaying a skillful economy of means. Encouraging participation of the community in design considerations, the scheme is respectful of local values and indigenous traditions, while managing to deliver a presence that promises a contemporary sense of collective identity.
The work offers important lessons in how sustainable, low cost technology can improve the social and economic livelihood of settlements. Furthermore, the project advances an environmentally and culturally sensitive solution to current regional dilemmas.