Taking place at the Center for Architecture July 11-October 26, the 'Colombia: Transformed/Architecture=Politics' exhibition traces significant new projects that exemplify innovative architectural forms and spaces while serving as conduits for social inclusion. With measurable results, Colombia's largest cities—most visibly Medellin—have demonstrated how visionary approaches to urban planning and architecture can improve circumstances for the lower classes, enhance the quality of life for all, and attract business and tourism. A brief review of significant recent projects reveals an overarching commitment to design as well as a sensitivity to the role of context and the immediate needs of a population. More information on the exhibition after the break.
In a poignant contemporary illustration of the power of architecture and urban design to drive social transformation, Colombia, in a strikingly short period of time, has managed to shift its image from that of a country riddled with violence and crime to one of innovation and optimism. These eleven recently completed projects by six of Colombia's top architects not only demonstrate the country's commitment to design, but also show how architecture can improve the lives of ordinary people.
As a collection, these works--daycares, schools, libraries and community centers, parks, and sports facilities--reflect some of the significant social shifts that are happening in Latin America today. With these recent efforts, Colombia has shown that good design can lead to not just attractive public spaces, but also new identities for cities and their inhabitants. Now residents can be proud of their communities, which have transcended their reputations for crime and poverty to stand as examples of dignified urban centers and homes to architectural landmarks.
The curators have selected this collection of work to illustrate the current creative building energy in Colombia and celebrate the economic, political, and challenging conditions that have made these explorations possible
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Architects on the Show: Giancarlo Mazzanti, Felipe Mesa Plan b arquitectos, Daniel Bonilla, Felipe Uribe +UdeB, Juan Manuel Pelaez, Orlando Garcia
Curators: Vladimir Belogolovsky, Intercontinental Curatorial Project; Fernando Villa, AIA,LEED AP BD+C, Magnusson Architecture & Planning
Exhibition Graphic Designer: Maria Villa, Emphasize LLC
Exhibition Design: Orlando Garcia & Adriana Aristizabal, G-Ateliers Architecture
Photography: Sergio Gomez, Iwan Baan, Rodrigo Davila, JAB visual, Jorge Gamboa, Vasquez Villegas, Juan Manuel Pelaez, Alejandra Loreto, Juan Gil, Veronica Restrepo, Orlando Garcia
