Chilean Modern Architecture since 1950

2. Material Circumstances: The Project and Its Construction

A close-up view of a precarious structure, clearly in process of decay, appeared in a recent issue of Casabella magazine, serving as the introduction to a discussion of contemporary architecture in Chile.1 But why was such an image selected for this purpose? One reason might be the absence of a more suitable icon. Perhaps another reason was a desire to accent the material context of architecture, the availability of materials and technologies, as well as the craft of building and their uses. The very notion of a history associated with the scatter of constructions and shacks that is presumed to populate this “remote” landscape at the southern tip of the New World, a history so unlike European experiences: this might also be considered as a powerful support for such an otherwise unlikely choice. The image in question portrayed an extremely fragile structure, devoid of heroic or sublime associations, suggesting precariousness as its prevailing material being. Even though its relevance might be challenged, the notion of the project’s materiality, as well as the relationship between firmness and precariousness, constitutes a legitimate framework for the discussion of modern architecture in Chile. A circumstance is “a condition, fact, or event accompanying, conditioning , or determining another.”2 Consideration of material circumstances relating to Chilean architecture in the second half of the twentieth century directly links the project to the actual conditions of its production. Tactical instinct as well as practical intelligence for the project can be judged from this approach. Aside from the cultural climate that nurtures a project’s conception, strong budgetary or technical constraints also play their part. This fact distinguishes rodrigo Pérez de Arce 2 material฀circumstances the฀project฀and฀its฀construction 46 rodrigo Pérez de Arce the Chilean architectural design process from other processes in the so-called “first world.” Political constraints, combined with a volatile economy, also have their effects on architectural production. Small design teams, short timetables, and expediency of execution and building tolerances often result from such conditions. Thus, the best Chilean architecture of the period exemplifies acute design attitudes in opposition to such strong limitations. Our purpose here is to illustrate how these adverse conditions have actually stimulated quality and inventiveness . lightness฀and฀firmness Unlike contemporary architectural experiences in Brazil, Argentina,3 or Uruguay, Chilean practice has to cope with violent earthquakes; the most outstanding during the twentieth century being those at Chillán (1939), Valdivia (1960), Valparaíso (1972), and Santiago (1985).4 They have imposed taxing demands upon both structure and building form, affecting also the overall budget for projects. “It is difficult to imagine good quality architecture in Chile devoid of seismic consciousness in its configurational criteria,” observes Sergio Rojo, whose practice combines the fields of both architecture and structural engineering. Furthermore, he comments: “there is a local written tradition of at least 50 major earthquakes, however it is futile to expect the understanding of a seismic culture that is solely derived from such personal experience” and “the state of mind of someone who experiences an earthquake is not conducive to the acquisition of knowledge about that event.” The earthquake, says Rojo, “shakes that immobility which characterizes architecture, disrupting it in incomprehensible ways, shattering not only its material logic but also its intelligent being.”5 Just as the epicenters of earthquakes shift, such experiences as may be gained from them are both discontinuous and unreliable, since they preclude systematic observation. Thus, the true structural performance resulting from innovations in the design of the Manatiales Building (see below) has yet to be proven. Notwithstanding those facts, the accumulated seismic experience has left an imprint upon structural design criteria, as well as on the formulation of stricter building codes. Although a certain de- Material Circumstances: The Project and Its Construction 47 gree of design freedom and lightness of structure can be observed in recent developments, seismic experience has also fostered new expectations and prejudices. For example, the 1939 Chillán earthquake was instrumental in bringing about the widespread introduction of modern building techniques, such as the use of reinforced concrete. A further result was the development of national building codes and a strengthening of building controls through professional bodies.6 Following the same logic, the structural engineer’s role in the design process was strengthened. Seismic awareness places modern architecture in Chile on a similar footing to that of California or Japan.7 Following the implementation of updated...