Thesis project "Catalizador Chilote"
Chiloé is a province located in southern Chile in the tenth region, known for being an island with a unique identity, characterized by its landscapes, traditions, and architecture. This heritage identity has been shaped over time through the close bond forged between the Chilotes and the land and sea, with this maritime environment serving as the fundamental pillar for the development of their identity.
Therefore, it is the maritime environment that defines the identity of Chiloé. This identity can be understood from two perspectives: the tangible and the intangible. In the tangible realm, we find structures like stilt houses, churches, boats, and wooden artifacts—all physical manifestations. On the other hand, the intangible aspect represents the essence of Chilote daily life, including festivals, typical recipes of Chilote gastronomy, mythology, artisanal techniques, musical expressions, and traditional occupations.
However, this heritage is currently in a weakened state due to various socio-cultural factors, primarily stemming from globalization. These include migratory phenomena driven by the pursuit of better educational and job opportunities, as well as the exploitation of natural resources by large industries, resulting in changes in productive activities by Chilotes.
Therefore, it is crucial to address this issue as this situation is not sustainable over time and will lead to a loss of this heritage and a serious deterioration of the Chilote identity. Hence, from this perspective arises the question: How can architecture address this issue and contribute to the rehabilitation of Chiloé's intangible heritage?
The concept of "Catalizador" is then introduced, defined as an architectural space where various activities occur, whether or not they are related, that when combined, enhance the place and promote its development... In simpler terms, imagine it as a time capsule where seeds are planted, nurtured, and preserved over time, with the characteristic of remaining alive. That is the main objective of the proposal: to keep this heritage alive, as these activities are happening inside, unlike a museum, which is exhibitionist, where one goes to observe an inert object taken out of its context, its natural environment, and suffers a significant loss of significance. This is a clear example of the challenge involved in addressing intangible heritage, of materializing the immaterial without falling into the figurative or the literal.