A Renewal of Life




Introducing a Renewal of Life: Redesigning the Hostel Pehoe in Torres del Paine National Park. Located at the edge of Pehoe Lake, this one-of-a-kind site offers breathtaking views of the natural beauty of Patagonia. However, the existing hostel is old and falling apart, not offering the comfort and hospitality that visitors to the national park desire. This project aims to create a new hostel that not only provides a place to stay but also rejuvenates visitors after their challenging treks through the park. The design process was informed by studying the axis of the site and its surroundings, as well as the contours of the land and the movement of the infamous Patagonian winds. With this project, I hope to provide a space for hospitality in an inhospitable part of the world and contribute to the sustainable development of tourism in Chile.
World Map: NTS
Northern Region:
The northern part of Chile is known for its unique landscapes, including the Atacama Desert, the driest non-polar desert in the world, and the Andes mountain range. It is also home to several important mining operations that extract copper, gold, and other minerals from the region's rich deposits.
Central Region:
The central part of Chile is known for its fertile agricultural land, producing a variety of fruits, vegetables, and wines. The region is also home to the country's capital, Santiago, and several historical cities, including Valparaiso and Viña del Mar, which are popular tourist destinations.
Southern Region:
The southern part of Chile is known for its stunning natural scenery, including rugged coastlines, glaciers, and the Andes mountain range. The region is also home to several national parks and reserves, such as Torres del Paine and the Huilo Huilo Biological Reserve. Additionally, the area has a rich cultural heritage and is home to several indigenous communities.
The main aspects of Chilean culture is the emphasis on family and community. Chileans place a strong emphasis on family values and are known for their close-knit families. They are also a very social people and enjoy spending time with friends and family. This is reflected in the way they welcome visitors into their homes and make them feel like part of the family.
Another important aspect of Chilean hospitality is the emphasis on food and drink. Chileans are passionate about their traditional cuisine, which is a fusion of indigenous, Spanish, and European influences. They take great pride in their food and enjoy sharing it with others. Chilean hospitality is often demonstrated by offering visitors a traditional meal, like a "asado" (bbq) or a "pastel de choclo" which is a typical Chilean dish. Chileans also have a strong sense of national pride and are eager to show off their country to visitors. They are happy to share their knowledge of the country's history, culture, and natural beauty to anyone who visits.
Torres Del Paine National Park
250,000 visitors per year
Provided over 6,000 local jobs in 2020
During the backpackers first night they will be able to reflect on the beauty of the natural environment of the first days hike
This glacier is often times the only time that people will be exposed to a glacier of this size in their life time. Sadly it is currently melting at a rate of 19 km of mass every 20-30 years. This offers the perfect opportunity to create an architectural statement that will teach people about global warming and its effects.
After 5 - 7 day of grueling hiking with intense winds, rain, or snow the backpacker finally arrives to one of the three main lookout spots. With only 1- 2 days left on this journey this spot creates a seance of joy and accomplishment. A place to sit and admire the views are needed
This last stop located four hours before the end of this 8-10 day journey is a feat of victory. The traveler may have come with family or friends or even came alone and made some friends along the way. This stop will give people one last place to come together outside in the crisp cool airs of Torres Del Paine and reminisce on all of the memories they have made together without the external worries of their day to day lives.
When do people go there?
First
Los Cuernos
Exterior Building Interior Trenches
Building
Aged Lenga
Planks
Polished Lenga
Planks
Fireplace Hoods
Pehoe Lake
Patagonian Granite Copper
Condor
Lookout Point
Site = Pehoe Island
Scale = 1:2000