Two Traditions of Latin American Urbanism
Eduardo Castillo and Andrew Georgiadis led this session that focused on the dynamics of architecture between Brazil, Guatemala, and other Latin American countries and the place of these structures within their larger urban context. With respect placed on these traditional urban forms and styles, various town plans are being introduced to preserve history and facilitate the needs of residents in an efficient manner. Maria Elisa Mercer of Duany Plater-Zyberk & Company has already designed over a dozen different urban plans that focus all developments within the local context of the region as well as Latin America in general. Through grand innovation, various techniques such as urban infill and retrofit are utilized in these plans to create more space around the traditional town center ubiquitous to many Latin American towns. This trend in Latin American urbanism is being received very well in Central and South America, with hopes for continuing progress alongside historic design. - Mike Jersha
