Tracing Public Space: Valparaiso

Between October 27th and November 1st we were in Valparaiso, Chile, dictating a short version of Tracing Public Spaces workshop, with iLAB from Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile and Universidad Federico Santa María. The workshop was a part of iLab’s project “ Innovación Glocal”, a series of courses focused on sharing technologies with communities and stimulate local creativity. The workshop was done in el Patio Volantín located in the Cerro Pateón with participation from neighbors and students of Universidad Federico Santa María.

Day 1: Observation

During the first day of the workshop we learned about public space and we went out to find spaces with potential to be transformed. Then we laid out a collective map where we marked the possible spaces we could intervene, and finally we chose a corner of abandoned land photographed by Cristobal, an 8 year old neighbor.

Day 2: Design
During the second day of the workshop we began to learn how to measure, so could understand what type of activities could occupy the space selected. We also visited some neighbors of the San Juan de Dios Street where the space we picked to intervene was. We also asked what type of activities they would like to do in the selected space. Nena, a 94 year old neighbor, told us that she planted the only flowers that were in the space and that she would like to encourage other neighbors to continue recovering the space. We proposed a square with flowers and seats.

Day 3: Design
On our third day of workshop, we worked with popsicles pallets to make several models of the possible objects for the space that we could build with recycled pallets. After many tries we defined a prototype that was easy to build and replicate.

Day 4: Construction
On the forth and last day of the workshop, we dedicated our whole day to build full-scale prototype palets so we could make a small square with garden space. We had to level the land so we could sit in the slopes. We also disassembled and reassembled each wooden prototype, we sanded and sealed so it could resist outdoor weather and finally we placed it on the square. We planted some flowers, but the best thing that we planted was a Quillay tree that was donated by our youngest student (3 years old), Eloisa. Also we left some garden space open so neighbors can come and plant some flowers.

We want to thank iLAB for inviting us to be a part of “Innovación Glocal”, Patio Volantín for receiving us in their marvelous spaces and teachers and students of Federico Santa Maria University for all their support specially in the construction of the square. We hope that this workshop serves as an inspiration for the neighbors of Cerro Panteón to get organized and create many more

Picture credits: Pancho Valenzuela