query-7: final project: anticipar el bicentenario - las...

CEE33X, Kunz Deal 1Query 7, Final Project June 2, 2005

Query-7: Final Project: Anticipar el bicentenario - las muchas caras del patrimonio construido de Santiago.

1. Photos of three views of your class project, ideally a view of the largest segment of the project that you can visualize, a view of an interior space and a view of an internal or external detail that is symbolically or functionally significant.

Photo 1: Here is the largest possible segment of the project that you can visualize. Unfortunately the building is so gigantic that it would be impossible to have a complete image from just one photo.

Photo 2: Here is a view of an internal space of Edificio Huidobro. This is the lobby. The two small pillar-like structures are security keypads and the inner entrance that looks like a doorway is actually the entrance to a pod of elevators.

Photo 3: This photo is symbolically significant because it portrays the security system of Edificio Huidobro. See Architectural Critic and Personal Vignette below.


2.Formal symbolic model of at least five functions, forms and behaviors visible in each view. Using comments and arrows as appropriate, add brief description of meaningful relationships you find among functions, related forms and related behaviors. Add a legend that defines the semantic meaning of any arrows you use in your diagram.

Note: See Function column on FFB to see which aspects correspond with which photo.

Function Form Behavior

Secure and safe.(Photo 2, 3)

Four “codepads” (two at each entrance).

A very visible green light on ceiling of lobby that goes off when someone presses the right code (i.e. that person has authority to go in elevator).

30’ sidewalk that separates building from street.

Security room equipped with multiple TV’s that display various views inside building.

Security guards/receptionists in lobby to greet people but also act as security.

Feeling of safety.

Feeling of safety.(Photo 2, 3)

Workplace for many businesses/businesspeople.

(Photo 1, 2, 3)

All 19 floors above lobby are composed of offices.

“Banco de Chile” sign visible from street.

“LAN” (LanChile) sign on top of building that is visible from street and while driving.

Many well-dressed employees going in/out of building.

Building gives off impression that it is a workplace of respected, prestigious, and well-

known businesses. Workplace for many respected businesses/businesspeople.

(Photo 1, 2, 3)

Workplace for many businesses/businesspeople.

(Photo 1, 2)

5 levels of parking A lot of cars going in and out of parking entrance/exit.

21 floors + 5 subterranean levels = 76.83 meters tall.

Feelings of success and productivity.To show sign of wealth.

(Photo 1, 2, 3)


To show sign of power.(Photo 1, 2, 3)

Imposing size.

To show sign of pride.(Photo 1, 2)

Grey, metallic, smooth material on exterior of building.

1 of 4 sides is slightly rounded. Blue tinted windows without

interruption horizontally, except for one variation on rounded side where windows are clearly separated by metallic material.

Interior material is grey-white-black marble

Entrance doors are heavy and clear glass, very sturdy.

Well-maintained.

Modern style.(Photo 1, 2, 3) Modern style.

Multicultural, international, intellectual, subtle feng-shui impression.

(Photo 1)

Two fountains at both entrances.Multicultural feeling.Multileveled terraced grass.

Face of Huidobro etched into glass entrance doors.

Angles by entrances and inside.

3. Briefly comment about ◦ Face(s) of the patrimonio construido de Santiago◦ Identity of the Chilean designers and the project users that the views show


Edificio Huidobro represents the modern face of the patrimonio construido of Santiago. Although patrimonio construido is usually focused on the past and the roots of Santiago, the modern face is Santiago’s patrimonio contruido in the making, its most current face. However most of the modern works in Santiago are dedicated to offices and the work environment. Santiago’s ‘need to succeed’ materializes in their architectural efforts to work and prosper in buildings that are just as modern as the United States, Japan, etc. This is especially apparent in Santiago’s resistance to postmodern architecture. It seems as though Santiago is so intent on attaining and upholding a serious corporate image that many believe postmodern will detract from this goal.

The American architectural firm Helmuth, Obata and Kassabaum Inc. USA (HOK) and Chilean architects Luis Corvatán Veliz Arquitectos Ltda collaborated to build Huidobro. HOK is a reputable firm based in Kansas City that has done projects all over the United States such as the Tampa Federal Court and the Raymond James Stadium. Unfortunately, I could not find any information on Luis Corvatán Veliz Arquitectos Ltda. However, from looking at the style of some of HOK’s work, I believe that their influence was mostly on the lighting and landscaping area of the building, where Veliz’s influence is more with the size and structure of the building. There is something to be said in a Chilean and American team working together. This says that the Chilean identity wants to be modern, developed, and on the same economic level as ‘the big guys’ (i.e. world powers). It is also interesting to note that it was most likely Veliz who decided on the big boxed, modern style building. This hypothesis is based on the fact that HOK seems to venture out into the creative field more and I would expect that if they had sole say, they would have decided to do something a little more adventurous than the current international style modern architecture of Huidobro.

4. Comment on cultural, economic, global issues, political science, psychology and sociology issues that the views suggest to you, ideally with references to theoretical literature.

The dictatorship took the freedom and spirit out of Chile, and especially Santiago. Avenida de 11 de Septiembre still stands, symbolizing the day that Pinochet and his dictatorship took over. Most of the modern buildings that are in Santiago today were built during the dictatorship as part of Pinochet’s plan to turn around the economy. In an economic sense, Pinochet saved Chile. But it was a dark victory because the heart of Chile was sacrificed. The government, until recently, censored everything. Now Chile has finally begun to flourish again, although its architecture has followed a slow trail of transformation. I believe that the modern movement is driven more by economics, politics, and global issues more than cultural issues. Since Santiago is the heart and capital of Chile, it only makes sense that the most modern city would have to be Santiago. But you do not see local Chileans hanging out at Huidobro like you do in Plaza de Armas because the modern movement is an economic movement. However, I believe that Chileans are proud to have modern buildings like Huidobro in their capital. Knowing that you’re country is economically successful, and growing at an incredible rate as well, is satisfying. Economic success creates pride and nationalism.

5.Sketch of some aspect of your project. Please add a brief (about 100 word) caption that comments on the name, features, historical and personal significance of the content of the sketch. As appropriate, make the caption of your sketch more personal than that of your photos.


In this sketch Edificio Huidobro is portrayed from the quiet back/café vantage point (on the side opposite the from the street). From here, you can watch the human traffic go in and out of the building, listen to the white noise of the seven-step fountain, and enjoy any beverage or snack from La Crème Café. You can also make a fun game out of seeing how many times it takes you to figure out everyone’s security codes as they enter the building and go up the elevator. Who knew that a formal business building could be so much fun. Edificio Huidobro just finished construction in 2002, and it still looks brand new.

6. Summarize things you liked and did not like (Plus/Delta) about behaviors you see in your three views. Comment explicitly on relationships to functions, forms and behaviors.

+ Buffer between building and streetI really liked the feeling of being away from the street and the consequent tranquility that

it brought. The well-done walkway/sidewalk that serves as the buffer adds to the positive feeling as well. However, I think that the original function was more for security, as opposed to deliberately creating what I experienced.

+ Sign of wealth It also felt good to be in a place that generates success and productivity. Although my

attraction to this type of environment depends on my mood (sometimes I’d rather be in a more relaxed environment), it’s always nice to see people working hard and accomplishing something.

+ Well MaintainedPart of the building’s “sign of wealth” is that it is well-maintained. Everything is

neatly trimmed, there is no trash, the windows and glass doors are clean, and even the people are nicely groomed.

∆ Imposing sizeI did not like the building’s imposing size; it’s so high that it hurts my neck to look at the

top of it. I understand that the immense size is part of the building’s modernity, wealth, and power, but for once I wish the architect would go against the grain and achieve the same three objectives without making a monster.

∆ Signs


I also did like the feeling that LanChile just dominated the building by having its sign at the top. I think this sole sign (besides a small Banco Chile sign on the lobby level) gives the wrong impression that the building is LanChile’s, when if fact many businesses have offices there. After talking to the Director of Administration’s, I know that this was not a functional intent. The reality is that LanChile owns 32% of the building and therefore has the ‘pull’ to put up such a sign. I think that the majority of owners/planners/architects would agree with me that the sign in both unappealing and misleading.

7. Personal vignette: describe an experience you had in or related to your project that was personally meaningful and describe how that experience made the visit memorable for you.

I get out of the taxi and stare at this insanely huge building. The fountain in front tries and fails to distract me from the building’s castle-like image. Nevertheless, I walk around and I’m just completely in awe of how modern it looks and all the important-looking people that are walking in and out. I’m busy exploring when I see the old, blue, vacant building right next to Huidobro, and can’t help but notice the stark contrast between the low-income housing and the multi-million dollar modern building, Huidobro. It reminded me of the awful Cruz de III Milenio from Coquimbo when a $25 million dollar, gigantic cross was placed in the middle of a slum. The contrast was startling, but I tried not to allow it to ruin my trip, or my interpretations of all the positive aspects of Huidobro… like…umm…the fountains?

8. Architectural critic review, in the manner of one we read, i.e., use about 500 words and 1-2 photos to summarize your project or another in Santiago that you admire. Acknowledge the limits of the project that you find, but identify its strengths. Include provocative commentary.

Somebody Help Me…


It was just like someone painting the image of a trampoline on the ground and then telling you to jump. Not only is it not helpful, but it can kill you. This is just how I felt upon unveiling the true

character of Edificio Huidobro, located in the rich area of Nuevas Las Condes in Santiago, Chile. The magnificent 21 floor steel construction praises itself on having a state-of-the-art security system to shield and protect its ever-so-important inhabitants. The official website for Huidobro Edificio brags about such intricate systems and cutting edge technology. In reality, all the building’s pretty gadgets, cameras, security guards, and security rooms are ineffective, useless, futile, and a waste of time. Upon either entrance into the building, two, four-foot tall stands meet each person who enters. Each stand is

fixed with a nine-digit keypad, much like a telephone. Each number is a little bit more than 1” tall. When these first meet the eye, they look as though they’re everything they’re cracked up to be: modern, sleek, and effective. As I stroll to the café for an overpriced salad, I take my seat facing towards the entrances, and watch the people through the building’s clear glass doors. The first person that I observe walks to the codepad and presses two digits, the first was on the top row and the second I’m not sure. Another person walks in and presses the same code, first a ‘3’ and then some digit on the third row. Eventually, I worked out

not just that passcode, but the passcode to a couple other floors as well. As I sat there, proud of myself for feeling so intelligent and sneaky, none other than a delivery guy walks in, presses a code, and goes in the elevator! I couldn’t believe it. Here is LanChile, the country’s main airline, and they’re supposed to be protected? We’re living in a time of global terrorism and LanChile chooses…Huidobro? Even the Director of Administration himself broke the cardinal rule, talking to me about the flaws of the security system…I could have been anyone. I didn’t know whether to feel honored or disturbed, but all I was thinking about was how easy it would be for someone who really wanted to do harm. However this is not a security report but an architectural critique, so what do security faults have to do with architecture.

Well, part of the building’s character lies in its intense feeling of security. Instead of Huidobro having a moat to represent how important it is, it decided to go the modern route and with “modern” security system. If a building needs top notch security it’s because it has something important to protect. Huidobro lies more than 30’ off the street, you have to walk up stairs on all sides in order to enter, and the inside is decorated with multiple security gadgets. But the truth is that anyone can gain access into the building. In the United States, it is called fraud when you advertise something for what it is not. I wonder how many companies bought into Huidobro before it was actually built, and signing in on Huidobro based on the presumption that it would have maximum security.

Of course, it could be worse. The chances of someone doing anything violent or life threatening to a building like Huidobro are slim to none. However, I would still worry about more white-collar crimes such as stealing files or whatnot. In all fairness Huidobro’s heart is in the right place. All the major aspects are there, such as the buffer in the street, the security


guards-slash-receptionists, and the little green light that tells everyone they may enter the elevator. Compared to other modern buildings Huidobro’s values security more than most. One architectural professor at Universidad Catolica in Santiago, Chile refers to Huidobro as a “castle,” and how many buildings can boast this?

9. Summarize changes you can identify in the amended list of Brand Ss for your project, i.e., Surroundings, Site, Setting, Structure, Services, Skin, Space plan and Stuff.

All of Brand’s Ss contribute to this sense of self-place connection that evolves our lives through surroundings, site, setting, structure, services, skin, space plan, and stuff. In terms of a single house or building, I believe that the most influential parts are the structure and space plan, because they most obviously resemble a reoccurring pattern. Huidobro’s most apparent characteristic is that it is more or less a gigantic box. The next most influential would be the surroundings and setting, and then finally the services, skin, and space plan. Huidobro’s surroundings include a huge green park across the street. This is evidently important to Huidobro’s owners because they have signed a contract with the owners of the park, legally binding them to promise that no buildings will replace the park. In addition, Huidobro’s skin is mainly a glass facade with the exception of one face that has vertical and horizontal beaming. However although the skin is important, it comes secondary to aspects such as structure, and in this case, surroundings.

10. Theoretical Interpretation of the site for your project based on your interpretations of the perspective of Rybczynski in the Home or City readings.

In Witold Rybczynski’s City Life, he concentrates mainly on the convergence and divergence of the American and European ideals over time. And although he lightly comments on Hispanic and Spanish influence, or lack thereof, Edificio Huidobro is best portrayed in its comparison to American ideals. Rybczynski explicitly states that architecture is a product of history, culture and politics, and also that cities are not just built and used differently, but perceived differently as well. Of the four types of cities that Rybczyski describes, both American cities and Santiago stemmed from the “ practical city” (e.g. pragmatic, functional). However unlike American cities, Santiago does not rely completely on automobile, does not have an absence of permanent residence, does not lack a defined center, and is not recklessly entrepreneurial. On the other hand, Santiago is similar to American cities in the sense that it has broad tree-lined residential streets and humble individual abodes. And finally, American cities and Santiago have both integrated European ideals of greco-roman classical sites and civic beautification.

Edificio Huidobro represents a modern movement that, for one of the first times, the Europeans admired. As Rybczynski says, “”...it was precisely the tall buildings that impressed the European visitor...The tall office building not only made money for its corporate owner but also celbrated and symbolized the making of money.” Ta-da! It is precisely what tall buildings such as Huidobro represent that makes their presence essential in the business world. Being that the modern movement began in Europe (i.e. Germany) and then found its way to the United States, Huidobro is proof of the continuation of the Americanization trend that has been working so well for Santiago so far. On the other hand, Santiago is beginning to inherit negative traits as well. For example, some may argue that Santiago is quickly developing into an automobile city.


11. Theoretical interpretation from the perspective of Flessig: how well does the project support Smart Growth?

Flessig stresses the importance of a “Comprehensive Plan, Community Vision, and the Land Use map.” I am confident that Edificio Huidobro is a product of all of these themes. In fact Huidobro is a part of a larger plan called Nueva Las Condes that has a definite direction and track. Flessig addresses ten critical components. Edificio Huidobro scores positively on: proximity to existing/future development and infrastructure, site optimization and compactness, accessibility and mobility choices, community context and site design, fined-grained block pedestrian and park network, and process collaboration and predictability of decisions. However, Huidobro would not score well on: mix and balance of uses, environmental quality, and diversity. As far as re-use and redevelopment options, I believe that this is possible for Huidobro but will not happen any time soon.

12. Theoretical Interpretation based on your interpretations of a Pattern language that you create to describe your project. Include at least five patterns of Alexander that we discussed in class up to now. Describe and include at least two additional patterns that you find relevant that Alexander does not mention. Annotate one or more photos of your project and identify the relevant feature of each pattern. For any negative examples of patterns, briefly comment on why you think that your pattern could or should have applied.

My pattern language and interpretation:A workplace building should exude wealth, power, and modernity without being too imposing or egotistical. The most commonly forgotten attributes are windows that actually open and good natural lighting. Too many times are employees stuck with re-circulating air and artificial light, two sure ways to carry out an unproductive workday. Include aspects such as:

Alexander Pattern 59: Quiet backs – Huidobro takes advantage of its enormous height and creates a quiet back on the side opposite the street. Combined with its fountain, all visual and audio disturbances are blocked, and one can find peace of mind.

Alexander Pattern 88: Street café – Huidobro makes an earnest effort by putting a café outside but next to the building; it falls just short of a street café because it is a bit off of the street. This not only provides comfort for the hardworking busy-bees by assuring them that there is always something to eat right around the corner, but it also breaks the sometimes draining tempo of a quick-paced working day.

Alexander Pattern 110: Main entrance – Huidobro’s entrance “can be seen immediately from the main approach”, and it has a “bold, visible shape that stands out in front of the building.” This contributes to its image of wealth and power.


Alexander Pattern 127: Intimacy gradient – Huidobro is a 21-floor building with countless employees. Fortunately one is first greeted by the lobby, then goes to his/her appropriate floor, then to his/her appropriate and private office. The architects took special care to make sure they met this pattern.

Alexander Pattern 159: Light on at least two sides – Huidobro will have this characteristic for a while, as long as their contract lasts with the park across the street. This quality is so important to the building that they are making sure they keep this attribute.

My Pattern 1 (not referenced by Alexander): Terraced entrances – Huidobro’s main entrance

has Asian-style 3-step terracing, about 3’ high for each step. It also has stairs on all sides that serve as a secondary and more subtle terracing. This contributes to Huidobro’s powerful image and its feng-shui approach as well.

My Pattern 2 (not referenced by Alexander): Complementary angles – Huidobro’s exterior and interior aspects are all connected, different, and complementary. For example, the diamond-shaped fountain, circular cement benches, terraced grass, square planting pots, and angular placement of the Huidobro itself all are at different angles. However as a whole, all complementary angles work together positively to create a connected whole.

13. Grounded Theory field notes (transcript, coding and memos) that summarize interviews of 4 Chileans with whom you discussed your photos and comments on your project.

Field notes/Memos: - basically square building but rounded aspects- rounded cement seating outside- small skinny trees outside in front of building, 3x3 (9 total)- building sits across from park for a nice view- La Crème Café in back of building by rear entrance- the face of poet Huidobro etched in on all glass door entrances- 1’ address numbers outside by steps that say ‘5711’ but do not say ‘Edificio Huidobro’


- building is 30’ off from street separated by a sidewalko sidewalk is composed of linear patterns of different sized square tiles of

white/grey/dark grey/cement- a beautiful fountain in front that has about 12 shooting sprouts of water all slightly

different heights- 7-step fountain in the back by the café accompanied by short bamboo trees – these serve

to block out and both visual and audio cues from surrounding low-income housing,- The building is neighbored on one side by these 3-story, old, vacated, low-income

housing; all the windows are broken as if someone threw rocks at them- The building is also neighbored by another low-income 5-story apartment that people live

it (or I assume so because there’s clothes hanging outside to dry)- A lot of construction on other side of building and in back of it

Field notes/Interview I – Parking attendant/Male/Middle-aged- Me: Excuse me, but, what are these buildings here [the vacated blue buildings]?- Him: They used to be military housing for when Pinochet was in power.- Me: So what are they now?- Him: Nothing. Nobody lives there. Before it was military housing it was just open land.- Me: Is anybody going to do anything with them?- Him: Yes, the same people of this building [Edificio Huidobro] bought the land.- Me: So does that mean they’re going to tear it down?- Him: Yes.- Me: What about that building over there [the other 5-story low-income housing]?- Him: I don’t know. As of now they don’t have any plans.- Me: It only makes sense that they would buy up an old building like that.- Him: I know, it’s amazing, the contrast.- Me: What do you mean?- Him: Well look for yourself. Here the windows are broken and right next to me is this.- Me: Yea, I understand. What about over there [where all the construction is]?- Him: That’s going to be more or less of the same.- Me: Is it the same people that built Edificio Huidobro?- Him: No, but it’s going to be just like this building.

Field notes/Interview II – Security guard/Male/Middle-aged:- Me: Hi. I’m a student and I’m supposed to get a couple interviews about people that use

this building. I’m not looking for anything in particular, just want to hear anything you want to say about it.

<<Silence>>- Me: It can be about anything. What you like about the building, what you dislike, if

there’s any particular part that comes to mind?- Him: Umm…let me see if I can get someone to talk to you.- Me: Do you have any opinion of the building?<<He gets on his walkie-talkie>><<He motions for me to follow him>><<He leads me to the foot of marble stairs at the side of the building>>- Go down one flight of stairs, turn right, and you’ll see the camera room- Me: Where? Down there?- Him: Yes, just go down and turn right, the camera will see you.- Me: Ok, thank you very much.


Field notes/Interview III – Building administrator/Male/Middle-aged:- Me: Hi. My name is Jenilee and I’m a student from Stanford University. I am doing a

small project on this building and I was wondering if we could talk for just a couple minutes.

<<Little did I know this would last about two hours>>- Him: I’ve had architecture students come in before. The last guy came in downloaded my

presentation of the building onto a little drive.- Me: Oh I’m sorry; I don’t have one of those. But I’d like to hear a little bit from you.- Him: What do you want to know?- Me: Anything. I’m more interested in hearing about any and everything you have to say.

If there are certain positive aspects, certain negative aspects, things that jump out at you.- Him: Well we have a very unique transportation system. First off, the building is in such a

location that the businesspeople live 5 or 10 minutes away, and don’t have to worry about a long commute. And secondly, we have a system that transports the people that work here from Metro Station Escuela Militar to our building. This saves them a lot of traveling time, and it’s free.

<<…abridged…>>- Him: You know everyone says that this building is intelligent, but it’s not, it’s stupid

(‘tonto’). The security system is stupid. We have a ‘micronic’ system where everyone needs to punch in a code before they go into the elevators to access their floor. But the system is completely inefficient because everyone has the same code for every floor. There’s no way to tell who is coming in and out of the building.

- Me: Wow, it certainly looks like the security system is the best though.- Him: It’s very easy to enter here. We don’t have anything like individual magnetic strips

on an id card…There are many cameras here but the system is obsolete. They’re not digital and they don’t have a full view. It’s like they take snapshots of every scene, so you can see what one person is doing at one second, and you can see what they’re doing the next second, but you can’t see what they’re doing in between.

- Me: Wow, I had no idea.- Him: And the elevators also take a lot of time. There’s a lot of waiting involved. It’s fine

up on the lobby where they have eight elevators. But for example when you’re down here [subterranean level] you have to wait forever. And the reason is that the elevators aren’t programmed to make multiple stops. They go to one level and then come back down to the lobby.

- Me: That doesn’t make any sense. <<…time passes…>>- Him: Well, there are other things that are positive about the building.<<As if trying to make up for bashing his own building, his optimistic side surfaces.>>- Him: This building is only one of three in all of Chile that is built so that it’s secure with

steel construction, but that it doesn’t need many pillars. The offices are huge and so are the offices. This is one of the best parts about the buildings.

<<He then shows me the plans from the building, and goes into to depth about the 4th floor.>- Him: Do you see here? There are one, two, three, four steel constructions that give the

floor its main support. And that way, the whole floor is open space, it’s just beautiful.<<…times passes…>>- Me: Why does it say LanChile at the top of the building?- Him: You see there are many people who own the building. LanChile owns 32%.


- Me: Oh I see, so is that the most?- Him: Yes! Most businesses own around 1%.- Me: Wow, who else is in this building.- Him: Companies like LanChile, Banco de Chile, MBI, and LG Electronics.<<…time passes…>>- Him: After all the construction was done the planners decided that they didn’t want a 13th

floor because it was bad luck. So all the numbers were change, all the elevator systems were redone, everything was rewired, and now there’s no 13th floor.

- Me: Are a lot of buildings like this?- Him: No, maybe less than 5%.- Me: Really, that small?- Him: Yes- Me: Well I hope it’s worked!- Him: I don’t know we’ll see. Here, I’ll show you my presentation of the building. It

shows it built from the ground up.<<I then watched about a 20 minute presentation of the building being constructed. I have to say most of the pictures looked the same; the building was just a little bit taller. This was kind of a boring part but I watched nonetheless and looked for anything interesting.>>- Me: Ok, I have one last question. I know it’s probably unlikely, but is there anything to

the effect of childcare or anything like that in this building?- Him: No. Very very few places have such a thing.- Me: I know, that’s the answer I expected but I just had to ask.- Him: No, some supermarkets have a service, but it’s inconvenient because it takes maybe

30 minutes each way on the Micro.- Me: Wow, that’s unfortunate. Does that mean that you have to pay a private company if

you need someone to watch your child?- Him: Yes. Alvear and Lavín are both calling for childcare in buildings as a matter of fact.- Me: But why not Bachelet? I would think that out of all the presidential candidates she

would be the one pushing the hardest.- Him: Yes it would seem that way but she’s more of a realest. Economically speaking, it’ll

never happen.Interview IV – Adrián Garcia (26 years; Adrián is my host brother and he always takes things very seriously when you talk to him, and usually has a perplexed look on his face when he’s thinking; interview translated from Spanish):

- Me: Adrián, I need to talk to you. As you know I’ve been studying Edificio Huidobro, but I haven’t gotten a perspective from a young Chilean yet.

- Him: Okaaay. What do you want to know?- Me: Well, what first comes to mind when you think of Edificio Huidobro?- Him: <<eyebrow raise>> What do you mean?- Me: When I say the words, ‘Edificio Huidobro’, do you think or feel anything in

particular?- Him: Yea…I think of Nuevas Las Condes.- Me: And what else?- Him: What do you mean what else?- Me: Something more descriptive. Feelings or whatnot.


- Him: Okay. You see, Jeni…I don’t think of that area as anything more than an area that I don’t spend any time in. I have no reason to go there. I go to school [Universidad de Chile] or Sol’s house [his girlfriend] and then I come home. I don’t spend any time there.

- Me: How much did you know about Edificio Huidobro before I introduced you to it?- Him: Nothing.- Me: What about Nuevas Las Condes?- Him: I had heard of it, but I never paid much attention.- Me: Okay I see, I see. Okay then tell me this, what do you think of the whole idea in

general of all these huge modern buildings around Providencia and Las Condes.- Him: Jeni, when someone builds something like Huidobro, they’re making a statement.- Me: Yes, I know. Are you sure you’re not saying that because you may have heard me say

that before?- Him: No, Jeni, I think that you’re right, I don’t agree with the idea. - Me: But what about the use of the land? Big buildings are needed in Japan and places that

have a huge population.- Him: Yea, but the architects can choose how they want to build a building. They’ll spend

five extra million dollars to have a certain image.- Me: Yea I understand.

Field notes/Coding:- Multiculturalism and intellectualism: Although no one mentioned the feng-shui, Huidobro

´s face etched onto the doors, or even the building being named after a Chilean poet, these factors contribute to its motivation and execution of being a multicultural and intellecutal building.

- Wealth, success, and power: On the other hand Huidobro´s modern style, intense effort to have a strong security system, and behavioral aspects of the building (e.g. well maintained) and the people (e.g. hustling and bustling, well-dressed) materialize in an overall theme of wealth, success, and power, what is more interesting though are the underlying themes of materialism and capitalism, both of which symbolize the quest for wealth and power.

- Because Huidobro represents corporatism, capitalism and the quest for wealth, success and power, the younger generation has a love/hate relationship. On one hand they can’t identify with Huidobro but on the other hand they want to be respected and successful.

query-7: final project: anticipar el bicentenario - las...

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