New History

This last weekend, I had the opportunity to visit the 2017 Chicago Architecture Biennial, and I was truly inspired by a lot of the work. This new edition of the Biennial was titled “Make New History”, and the scope of the work displayed at the Chicago Cultural Center, goes from completed projects to speculative work. Through models, photography, video, and installations, architects from around the world examine and reformulate the interaction between architecture and history.

These are some photos of the visit. 

The Chicago Architecture Biennial is free and open to the public. For more follow the link. 

A SIMPLE MAN

Today, I felt more than ever before that my career path was predetermined. I have this constant urge to create things, to pour my thoughts and energy into tangible endeavors. In fact, plenty of the wonderful people I met during my college days also share this passion. They are makers and builders, professionals and entrepreneurs trying to make their mark in this world. Former instructors or colleagues that put all of their energy and effort into their respective fields. Great people along the way have contributed or influenced my creative life. But as I get older, I realized that it all started with a simple man, and his work. 

He had a shop right next to his house. And every day, he would spent hours in that space repairing things, mostly bicycles. Bicycles were his passion, and the way he made some extra cash after retirement. He had been a cyclist his whole life. The weekend rides Santiago - Valparaiso were common, and I even remember hearing stories of him going up the Andes on his bike. 

As a kid, I grew up watching him work with his hands. I used to sneak into his shop, and get scolded for playing with the tools or bicycle parts laying around the shop. He was also capable of intricate metal work, from small sculptures to metal fences, all of it while listening to old tunes in the radio. Tangos were his favorites for what I can remember.

Unfortunately, he passed away a few years ago, and I was unable to share with him my passion for making. As I start the design for a new piece of furniture, it’s hard not to look back and realize how much of an impact he had on me. I think he was an artist at heart. No formal training, but his artistry and talent left a mark on me. Probably that’s the main reason why I chose the path of architecture. It would allow me not only to design things, and know how to build, but to follow in his footsteps. And pay a small tribute to a man that taught me a lot without ever saying a word. An artist. A maker. My grandfather.

A BRIGHT FUTURE

"A man without knowledge of his past, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.” Marcus Garvey

Recently, we relocated from Chicago to Southern Illinois, after 8 years of vacations and holiday trips to my wife’s hometown. And just like I experienced almost 19 years ago, when I first arrived to Chicago, a childlike feeling of excitement and wonder filled my days while I navigated my way through my new surroundings. The fast pace of Chicago, with rush hour traffic and its well defined grid, has been replaced by the calmer pace of Southern Illinois, the refreshing sight of endless tree lines, and the vibrant energy of developing communities. It was in this new setting that I came across a treasure. A treasure that seemed to be forgotten. 

Early this summer, I was driving around doing errands when a small brick structure on the side of the road caught my attention. Then, I tried to ignore the curiosity for the building. But the sight of that small building kept sneaking into my thoughts like the memory of a beautiful melody sneaks into your brain on a sunny day.

A couple of days ago, I decided to return by the brick house. I was determined to find out more about that piece of history. When I first arrived on site, it seemed like an abandoned house that the surrounding subdivisions of new construction were trying to conceal from the world. Jealous of its humble but beautiful past. Nonetheless, its milk painted bricks could speak volumes about the stories that they have witnessed. At the entrance of the site, a small plaque hopelessly tries to tell the story of this veteran cemetery and schoolhouse commemorating John Messinger to the bustling traffic nearby.  

As I ventured into the cemetery guarded by old trees, a feeling of solemn reverence covered me like a blanket, while I walked amongst the tombstones of those that made this sacred ground, their final resting place. Their stories can be traced to the revolutionary war, Illinois' first settlers, and some crucial moments in the history of Illinois. A rich past that is in danger to become extinct due to the fast development of the area, unless restoration efforts are put in place.

Many times, our history define us as individuals, or it can be the starting point for what we later on built in life. And it’s for that reason, that I have always been attracted to the historical aspects of a culture, city or place. It is in history that we found the explanation to many of our current inquiries about ourselves. Sites like John Messinger’ cemetery and schoolhouse are worth preserving and restoring. They help us not only to remember those that paved the way, but also it gives us a sense of responsibility about our contribution to the future. 

I’m not sure of what the future holds for John Messinger’s cemetery, but I am glad that I stopped by, and learned a little more about my new hometown. It gives me hope that a bright future is ahead.

If you are interested in learning more about John Messinger’s cemetery, please follow the link.

John Messinger's cemetery 

BITACORA DE VUELO

It’s pretty difficult to start a blog when you don’t really know where to start. Do I give a definition, or a passage from a book I just read? Certainly, that’s been done a million times. 

Do I present a question where I engage the audience in a philosophical quest? Or should I state a blunt opinion about current affairs? Not really.

Sometimes, simplicity is the answer. So let’s be simple. Let me tell you how I got to this point. I’ll try to keep it short and sweet.

Born in Chile.

Move to US. 

Study Architecture.

Open a Website.

Maybe too short, right?! Well, this is just the beginning…

I'll try to keep this Bitacora de Vuelo (log book/blog) to post about ideas, thoughts, or general information about my projects or exciting things I find in the web/world. 

Enjoy the journey!