2026-09-19T22:18:39Zhttps://dspace.mit.edu/server/oai/requestoai:dspace.mit.edu:1721.1/1185692021-07-05T14:03:20Zcom_1721.1_7582com_1721.1_7581col_1721.1_131023
Lorena Bello Gómez.
Uribe Buitrago, Manuela.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Architecture.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Architecture
2018-10-15T20:25:39Z
2018-10-15T20:25:39Z
2018
2018
http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/118569
1055764473
This electronic version was submitted by the student author. The certified thesis is available in the Institute Archives and Special Collections.
Thesis: S.M., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Department of Architecture, 2018
Cataloged from PDF version of thesis.
Includes bibliographical references (pages [66]-[67]).
This thesis argues that traditional architectural practice is insufficient to respond to the instabilities of rapid informal urbanization in Latin America. Traditional practice has mostly focused on designing objects, but informal territories instead need architects able to embrace complex social agendas, environmental risks, the lack of infrastructure and constant migration. Under these circumstances, this thesis proposes four new design protocols that constitute a new design process: 1. architects start by building trust and empathy with the community, 2. architects' responsibility extends beyond designing objects to designing systems, 3. architects rethink the use of materials and get involved in their projects' production process and 4. architects acknowledge that design is by necessity incomplete.
These protocols result from my experience working in an informal settlement surrounded by swampland in Cartagena, Colombia, where I worked hand in hand with the community and a local foundation. From a deep understanding of the place, I envisioned an informal water-based mobility system. The system considers alternative material sources such as plastic waste and explores 3D printing's potential to facilitate local production. The system joins actors who will economically support the project and identifies programs that enhance people's livelihoods while promoting the swamp's ecological restoration. Acknowledging that design is incomplete, the work presents possible "design hacks" or reinterpretations that result from the informal settlers' agency. Ultimately, these design hacks can become catalysts for design upgrading and innovation. These new architectural protocols present a paradox. They expand architects' agency by requiring them to assume additional responsibilities.
At the same time, these protocols require architects to relinquish some of their traditional responsibility for full control over the design. Even if paradoxical, this new approach can motivate future forms of architectural pedagogy and practice that envision new tools and adjust methods and agency consistent with informal urbanization.
by Manuela Uribe Buitrago.
S.M.
S.M. Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Department of Architecture
90 pages (some unnumbered)
eng
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
MIT theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed, downloaded, or printed from this source but further reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission.
http://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/7582
Architecture.
Architecture in an unstable territory
Thesis
application/pdf
2019-10-04T21:35:54Z
Publication
unknown
unknown
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