David Davalos Sanchez Bio
A mul�ple parkour
My name is David Davalos, I am architect from Ecuador where I have ac�ve experience as a prac��oner, researcher and lecturer of architecture and urban concerns. My latest research had led me towards reflec�ons on design methods, future thinking, humans and non humas habitats and Actor Networks of things. Currently, I am involved as architect and design research for private sector in Düsseldorf-Germany and in Quito-Ecuador. I am also lecturer of Research Methods in Architecture at DIA Master ofArchitectureatHochschuleAnhaltDessauwhiletryingto find space for personal readings and hobbies.
I am an architect by educa�on, prac�cing and perhaps convic�on. I perceive, analyze, live, and imagine the world by architecture understood as more than a sta�c object, rather as a complex network or actors colliding in a specific place and �me. Architecture, and by extension the constructed word is materialized, contextualized, and composed, but most of all, it should be collabora�vely reflected, thanked, planed, executed, experienced, and lived.
San Carlos regenera�on and elemetary school
final project thesis Quito Ecuador
The TFC is a one-year final studio that search to test all the skills of an architect student. In this case, the studio is divided in two sequence stages, an urban design and an architectural stage.
First an urban piece is selected and rethink. Second, a central equipment is developed at all details. If the student proves an important level of space understanding, he will obtain the architect �tle by thesis.
The urban concept aims to understand Zeitgeist and to achieve a representa�ve contemporary space. It is structured by urban axes and limits, improving exis�ng systems and reconnec�ng morphology. To reorganize and op�mize the existent �ssue, create an integrated mobility system, densifica�on and mixed uses.
Urban systems are to be integrated. Green- public space and introduc�on of nature into the city. Regenera�on of plazas and trash spaces as encounter spaces.
Architecture. It starts by rethinking the educa�on system as systema�c, inclusive, horizontal, democra�c and direct observa�on driven. The space is coincided as flexible and systema�c and looks for tectonic expression of materials. Color is included on metallic elements.
The project dialogite with it site. The topography is the architectural genesis while green natural exterior and urban space of entrance are conformed by its morphology. The elementary school is ar�culated by a clear circula�on system, aims for an interior-exterior rela�on and is composed by mul�ple and flexible spaces.
Finally, there is a strong explora�on process towards the materiality and tectonic as fundamental forces of architecture. Concrete walls, wooden roofs and mul�ple glasses systems are explored and proposed.
A livable space for the community and an educa�onal space for exchange in innova�on.
Quito-Ecuador, 2009
David Davalos Sanchez Msc. Architect
two ci�es, two builings studio digital coopera�ve
Based on the most recent technological advances in collabora�ve design, the studio an�cipates the future professional prac�ce. Students are aimed to use emergent methods and services within a unique technological context devoted to an architectural concep�on by interna�onal and interdisciplinary collabora�on.
The project’ s concept is simple. To confront two sites with different typological and contextual characteris�cs with a similar origin. To image twin buildings with a strong center that welds with the exterior. To generate public spaces that penetrates into the interior and brings harmony with the exis�ng environments
In Nancy (Fr), a small corner plot demanded a ver�cal project. The axes of public space conform the space-structure layout and allows a con�nuum of space form outside through the building up un�l the terrace. The volume responds to the urban context by conforming the corner while a mul�media facade allows to communicate with the community and with the other site.
The Liège’ site (Be) has a bigger dimension. A horizontal project is explored. The architecture in placed at the nucleus of the plot were two main public space axes gets crossed to create a space-structure framework of public space’s con�nuity.
The structure concept was carefully designed to conform a space con�nuum. A poured structure is materialized into “stripes” of concrete which forms even main divisions and furniture reinforcing space con�nuity. Public gathering spaces, sculpted void and mul�media technology complement the proposals.
Two buildings communica�ng to each other and communica�ng to its communi�es and between them, a contemporary dialog space.
Nancy France, 2011
Nancy
David Davalos Sanchez Msc. Architect
MMoM miami mari�me museum
integrated studio project
The UM integrated studio is a 4th year studio that aims students to resolve all the architectural process of design. Star�ng in a conceptual phase and understanding the urban surrounding, it proposes a key equipment to be en�re developed.
Based on a historical and contextual analysis, the concept is reduced into an organizing scheme. The box which is a solid, strong and logical form that floats over the site will contain the main exhibi�on spaces. It represents the solid, strong and logic idea of Miami having a mari�me museum
The space below is a server space that a�aches it on ground and could be equivalent as the process of bringing the idea to its realiza�on.
Finally, the Box is sliced and composed by two axes. Coming from representa�ve landmarks of the surroundings, these axes becomes the main circula�on paths to of accessibility to the museum and extends themselves towards the exterior. the first one is directed form of American Airlines arena to the future Arts Perez Museum (present). the second one goes form Freedom Tower to the Miami bayside (history). Inside the volume, those paths cross the box, transforming and crea�ng different spaces genera�ng different scales and atmospheres.
A careful explora�on of structural and material selec�on is carried to achieve the desired architecture. A gathering space to reconect a city with its place and its history.
University of Miami, Miami EEUU, 2007
David Davalos Sanchez Msc. Architect
The void as city generator
Eje ar�culador. Urban design compe��on Quito
An exis�ng but unused train way. A great opportunity for Quito’s south of the city to re-structure its disconnected urban fabric. The opera�on is challenging, to try to use this ar�cula�on as central axe for a complete urban renewal while trying to generate urban micro-centrali�es. To generate a living city for its ci�zens, to engage them into an ac�ve par�cipa�on and to create nodes of exchange.
The main idea is to compose with the void. To iden�fy and reconfigure urban voids, not only railroad. The objec�ves are, from spa�al focus to recycle urban and industrial infrastructures, to revalorize neighborhood morphologies and to reconnect east-west urban fabric and green spaces and to generate and define limits to urban sprawl.
From sustainable perspec�ves, the project seeks to integrate the mobility system priori�zing pedestrian and public transporta�on, to generate mixed used and equipment’s projects to reduced forced mobility and bring vitality, and to recover neighborhood live s�les and social structures.
The research and design process were based on first morphological analysis and iden�fica�on of recyclable spaces (voids and underused) to later generate interconnected networks of several layers. In brief to envision the city as a project of composi�on.
In this par�cular compe��on proposal, I played a role as chief design architect of a mul�disciplinary team.
Compe��on. Quito, 2018.
David Davalos Sanchez Msc. Architect
La Roldos
A comunity. Urban design compe��on Quito
Interna�onal compe��on “My sustainable neighborhood”
A great opportunity for Quito’s neighborhood to envisioned a sustainable future. the concept is rather intriguing, to unite the inhabitants and a group of professionals to, star�ng from the site needs and desires, work for a global project that seeks for a sustainable and resilient plan.
La Roldos, is a poor neighborhood in the outskirts of the city. Formed some 50 years ago it is s�ll mostly illegal but there some 5000 people have form a complex society.
The compe��on demanded two mee�ngs with local communi�es. We engaged into a four moth process of structuring a par�cipatory process. We went to the place, discuss with local authori�es, workers, inhabitants, kids and homeless. We determine possible scenarios of interven�on and hierarchies. We envision a mul�scale approach to intervene.
The main goal was to assemble a structured vision for La Roldos neighborhood future in several stages. We envisioned a mobility and green network to relink them to the city. We imagine interconnected public spaces and buildings. We dream of a recovered, safe and clean ravine. Finally, we iden�fy underused spaces, vacant lots and parks to create strategies of interven�on in pocket park and public spaces.
We ended by ques�oning if it is truly sustainable to develop communi�es what are located at the edge of the city. We determined that it was be�er, cheaper and more sustainable and resilient to redevelop the low inhabitant city center.
We lost the compe��on. But the community took some of the pocket parks as ideas and started to recovered by themselves. Also, community mee�ngs were set as weekly.
In this compe��on proposal, I played a role as design architect in a mul�disciplinary team and as mediator on par�cipatory mee�ngs.
Compe��on. Quito, 2018.
David Davalos Sanchez Msc. Architect
Plataforma financiera gubernamental
NL arquitectos Quito EcuadorThe most significant architectural contest in Ecuador for thelast 30 years.The FinancialNa�onalPla�orm willbe not only a massive building (+100000m2) containing all the state financial en��es, but also a key public space, a plaza and park in the middle of the financial district of the capital.
An architectural, urban and tectonic icon for the region, bbut most important, a civic space for gathering and expression. A democra�c encounter between the state and the people and a public builing.
The design concept and guidelines is based on an integral exploita�on of the land’s Management, urban modelling and use. Mass and void manipula�on through subtrac�on exercises allows to generate composed opening achieving horizontal and ver�cal equilibrium. Clear differen�a�on between Street, plaza, transi�on and architecture.
Tectonics understanding by structure, materials, skins and light, space-�me as result. The synergy, dialog and rela�onship between the building and its surroundings and the opportunity to generate a real civic space
Architecture and public space integra�on. Monumentality and hierarchy recovering of Quito as capital city. Clear urban integra�on not only by morphology but by a strong clear strategy at all urban systems and layouts.
As part of NL Arquitectos, Quito, I was architect collaborator of the new PGF since the design compe��on. This project is the result of a small interdisciplinary team that had worked for three years to bring this idea into real ma�er.
Design 2011. Finished 2015. Quito.
NL Arquitectos.
David Davalos Sanchez Msc. Architect
Itesch
Technical Educacion Ins�tute Quito Ecuador
In a private commission, an educa�on ins�tu�on decided to move to a new se�lement. A new complex for a new pedagogical understanding. Classrooms, Labs, a flexible auditorium, an atrium, sport and open spaces and a commercial/public space to revitalize the street and integrate with the community.
Some main strategies assemble the project. Based on a collabora�ve effort to understand their new pedagogical approxima�on, modular and flexible architecture to be built in subsequent stages. Honesty in material expression, as lecture of steel and glass in a pure contemporary composi�on. educa�onal spaces as flexible as possible to adapt to different scenarios, specially the auditoriums which can be extend towards the pa�o. Strong connec�on of indoor outdoor to profit the weather.
An important public space with commercial stores to engage with community, to reconnect with the neighborhood. open, delimited spaces for gathering, recrea�on and sports.
A tectonic expression is aimed. A steel exposed structure that separates form filling. Generous glassed spaces to incorporate indoor-outdoor experience and to open up the educa�onal system. Finally, a double facade is envisioned for sun protec�on and pris�ne volumetric expression.
A space for contemporary educa�on understood as social and community engagement, not only as “in classrooms”. Design 2019. Under construccion. Quito.
David Davalos Sanchez Msc. Architect
Adobe exploring residencial housing
A familiar house ...In those par�cular cases, this “common” architectural work was seen as an opportunity to experiment with tectonics process and as a way to understand the inhabitants’ necessi�es. In a span of three years, five houses were designed (four of them constructed). In every case, the use of adobe was set as an aesthe�c decision, a sustainable responsibility and as historical reinterpreta�on.
Each commission carried their par�cular research and understanding of the ways of live and desires of each family. Different approxima�ons were taken, workshops, conversa�ons, mockups, models served to assemble a par�cular social structure.
Nevertheless, some general principles were elaborated. All houses were designed to be as much sustainable as possible, integra�ng water collec�on, solar panels and passive energies. Every one of them was composed by modular approxima�on. Houses where understood as living, changing spaces in which connec�on between interior and exterior and modifica�ons on �me are encouraged.
Materiality was also important. Adobe became a mayor challenge and goal, it is beau�ful, it is completely sustainable if made on situ, it is cheaps, and has excellent thermal and acous�c performance. Most of the houses where designed in cer�fied wood structure, detailing, stairs glass opening, porches and exposed structures complemented the basic principles and pa�erns.
To complement each client necessi�es, some houses contained work spaces, other studios or tv rooms, perhaps porches or outdoor ac�vi�es. Composi�ons, opening and facades were seen as result of this habitat assemblage while coopera�on was see as key element to achieve economical and social goals.
Design 2014-2017. Finished. Quito
David Davalos Sanchez Msc. Architect
O´cebreiro residen�al community
On a beau�ful plot with old trees, an investor requires a private 4 houses complex while main�aning his exis�ng home. The design process takes place over a con�nuos dialog and allows clear concepts to be reflected, specified and detailed.
The largest trees will be maintained, houses are developed between them. The houses extend into the landscape, closing off towards the access road for privacy and opening up completely towards their gardens, crea�ng spaces for family life.
Thanks to its excellent loca�on and climate, the project seeks to promote daily life related to the outdoors. For this reason, the houses have large exterior-interior transi�on spaces such as porches, terraces and balconies. the ground floor is a con�nuous space of social life. In it, the kitchen open to a family room, the living-dining room with access to the BBQ area and pa�o and a wide grandstand make up its dynamics. Upstairs each room has outdoor areas.
Materiality is essen�al. The exposed metal structure allows interior flexibility while the brick and wood, delicately worked and detailed, allow a sensa�on of warmth and contact with a privileged natural environment.
Finally, an open communal area is designed to house a rest area and a sports pool for the delight of the community. A�er some delays because of the pandemic situa�on , the proyect´s construc�on is set to start on 2023
David Davalos Sanchez Msc. Architect Design 2017. Quito
Bosque de Inaquito
residen�al building Quito Ecuador
A residen�al project to be placed in the western hills of Quito. The building main guideline has to be the natural lightandtheastonishingviewof thevalleywhilethehonest expression of the materials as framework for a comfortable lifestyle.
The project, guided by its placement, seeks to be opened towards the view city’s view, giving special a�en�ons for the living spaces of the apartment to be placed there. This rela�onship is reinforced by balconies as extension spaces of these livable spaces on the apartments.
The service spaces are placed inside of the building to maximize natural light and views of main spaces while op�mizing sound insula�on and concentra�ng water installa�ons and sewage. Finally, the building is composed at its core by a promenade of public space to include entrance, hall, atrium and staircase and public terrace.
Once more, an honest expression of materials is wanted. This expression helps to reduce costs of maintenance while providing a material framework for daily live. In this case, in-situ concrete structure is exposed and accompanied with simple but effec�ve composi�ons of brick walls. An important spa�al moment is the interior staircase which, despite of being inside, become a mayor feature while been hanging in the void and washed with above natural skylight.
A collabora�ve work was carried to determine apartments areas to be affordable for middle class income below the markets prices.
David Davalos Sanchez Msc. Architect
Terrazas de Inaquito
residen�al building Quito Ecuador
Quito is a city of beau�ful contrasts and condi�ons, perhaps the most important being its geographical loca�on. Se�led on the slopes of Pichincha, the Terrazas de Iñaquito project seeks to enhance this hillside condi�on. The project is gently located on a steep lot and takes advantage of its unevenness to generate generous spaces not only with impressive views of the city but also for coexistence. The terrace and the balcony are protagonists that allow the daily life of its inhabitants to be extended to the outside.
Inside, the project is neat, simple, comfortable and welcoming. Its contemporary design highlights the natural quality of the material and its structure, balancing the concrete with warm tones such as wood and sober elements and coa�ngs. The spaces are always well served and naturally lit. In an innova�ve way and considering the new needs, the housing units are carefully designed to offer different op�ons. They have also been designed in a modular way, which allows them to be combined to obtain departments with a larger area if required.
Finally, the project emphasizes public and communal spaces. Despite its medium scale, the project generates public space on the ground floor, a large lobby / recep�on, a magnificent internal staircase and garden, and ends with a large communal terrace where its inhabitants can enjoy magnificent views, well-made architecture and quality of life.
David Davalos Sanchez Msc. Architect Design 2021. Construc�on 2022-2023. Quito
Research SIEMENSHealthineersCampus,Bangaluru, Eller+EllerArchitekten.2022-23
POS4 architects is an architecture firm closely linked with BIM implementa�on. Thanks to this tour, an alliance is created with the startup IMTI to be a strategic partner in the genera�on of a design/product/vision for the implementa�on of a modular and customizable wood construc�on system.
The work is intense, complex and highly interdisciplinary. It seeks to generate an integral digital system from design to assembly. The ini�al vision is wide and profound.
In this ecosystem, much of my work in the company revolves around my role both as an architect and as design researcher. I do extensive research on future and sustainable ways of living not only in material terms but also in coliving, coworking and codesign processes. how to include different actors (human and non-human) in future visions of the city.
Specifically, from a system/product in wood, there are three main contribu�ons. I imagine and conceptualize different scenarios in which IMTI could apply its product in built environments. I conceptualize a high-rise building, a modular ver�cal city with holis�c concepts of sustainability and coliving. finally, we imagine a vision of an ideal neighborhood "IMTI we live together" which includes the possible products of the brand but also allows the integra�on of city and nature, human and non-human, includes sustainable energy and forms of transport and allows a mul�plicity and flexibility of ac�vi�es.
A future vision for community life based on a construc�on system (Modutecture TM) created thanks to a complex and intricate interdisciplinary co-design work.
IMTI
Proyect devellopment
The strategic alliance with IMTI also involves the development and composi�on of architectural projects under modula�on and a wood construc�on system (Modultekture TM) for which several poten�al clients are contacted.
In this scenario my work consists of two phases. First, the development of an architectural concept and general program solu�on, areas and requirements of both the client and the exis�ng regula�ons (LP1-LP2). 6 projects were and are being developed under this model. Each one has unique characteris�cs of scale, placement, architectural program, stakeholders, etc. At the same �me, all the proposals pursue IMTI and POS4 principles such as the use of the modular wood construc�on system, user´s confort and econimical and environmental´s op�miza�on.
Second, from these projects, some have been agreed to the following phases of development (LP3-LP5) In this case, we work in a small working group which takes care of the elabora�on of the architectural project in the phases agreed with the client.
To highlight, the en�re design and modeling process happens under BIM coordina�on parameters, which seeks to op�mize processes and bring the different actors closer together under a single ac�on umbrella. In addi�on, this method requires the integra�on of materiality and details from the very moment of the design.
Here an extract from a social housing project and a workshops/offices space for a IT firma both in NRW.
Concept (LP1-LP2) 2021
LP3-LP5 2022
POS4 Architekten Generalplaner GmbH. Düsseldorf 2021-2022
David Davalos Sanchez Msc. Architect
Mainz apartments connected with the exterior
The project faces the complex pentagonal shape approved in the urban masterplan. It also profit of its border loca�on between a new urban area and a ring of natural vegeta�on while solving a strict predetermined architectural program.
It proposes a maximum connec�on between houses and the outside, inclusion of greenery, natural ligh�ng, legible housing typologies and highlight the individuality of each building without breaking the composi�on.
To op�mize areas and maximize its rela�onship with the outside, circula�on is placed at the center, as an atrium of light that configures an architectural promenade. Around it, a func�onal ring contains all humid areas, reducing func�onal efforts and facilita�ng its composi�onal reading in a server-servant system. Finally, the living areas are located towards the outside of the volume, allowing fun�onal flexibility and rela�onship with the outside.
To maximize this outside rela�onship 3 typologies are proposed (one per floor). On ground floor, the apartments have as large as possible pa�os. On P1, the balconies are extended to the regulatory limit with set backs as intermediate spaces. Finally, P2, a special typology is generated to allows users to enjoy large green areas on the terrace from exterior loggias. These three typologies give conceptual clarity to the project, generate its facade´s composi�on, provide unique quali�es to the inhabitants, and allow the promoter to maximize the sales area.
Finally, from a conven�onal concrete´s structure, the two volumes are imagined of different materials (wood and brick) to give iden�ty to eachother without losing its general composi�on.
In this project, winner of the first prize (the first in several years for POS4 in the housing category), I generated the architectural concept and led the design team. We are currently working on its development (PL3-PL5)
Compe�ton 1st price 2021
LP3-LP5 2022
POS4 Architekten Generalplaner GmbH.
Düsseldorf 2021-2022
David Davalos Sanchez Msc. Architect
SIEMENS
Healthineers campus Bangaluru
discover and broadens your horizon”
Eller + Eller Architekten. Düsseldorf- Berlin- Bangaluru, 2020-2023
Research SIEMENSHealthineersCampus,Bangaluru, Eller+EllerArchitekten.2022-23
Academic and research
Urban Carcity.Researchandpublication.2018 UNhabitat Studentcompetions.2016 Institution Fedimetal.Studentcompetitions.2017 Research Architectureisnotanobject.2020 A concrete for the other half. 2020
Carcity Research and publica�on
The impact of private automobile in the city goes beyond carbon emissions. The land used within the city for service purposes (not only roads but also other type of services such as dealership, parking lots or buildings and auto repair and mechanic services) reshape the urban morphology by taking away enormous area of underused land, hence evidencing an important and unsustainable environmental and economic system.
Taking Quito- Ecuador as a case study, a methodology to iden�fy, quan�fy and propose a be�er use for the urban space allocated for private automobile, aiming at the end for a more sustainable, compact, equitable and livable city is proposed. This work proposes a Car Space recycling algorithm to, based on an urban index, first iden�fy areas of interven�on best suited to apply this methodology of analysis. Second, a tool is proposed to visualize the hidden poten�al of underused land for other services (social or environmental) and its economic poten�al, by comparing the benefits obtained by private automobile oriented services land to the cost in the real estate market if those lands were fully developed.
This personal research ini�a�ve was a process of two years’ length that open a pla�orm for interdisciplinary research in academic level at UDLA university in Ecuador and involved sevearal societal actors. As product, two publica�on were made, Dávalos D., Maldonado D., Jácome D, “The hidden poten�al behind the city planned for cars”, ICSDEC 2016, Procedia Engineering 145 (2016) 924 – 931 and D. Davalos, D. Jacome Polit et all, “Car Space Recycling Algorithm: A Powerful Urban Planning and Decision-Making Tool” in Advanced Studies in Energy Efficiency and Built Environment for Developing Countries, 2019, ISBN : 978-3-030-10855-7
A research on pause, but far from finished.
2015- 2017
David Davalos Sanchez Msc. Architect
CIU Habitat III
Interna�onal student compe�ons
UDLA’s Urban Architecture Studio IV is a fourth year design studio that encourage students to propose and design urban equipment. Star�ng with an urban design group proposal, the final product is a full architectural project. An integral exercise what should test student’s comprehensive set of skills by confron�ng three design scales (urban, architecture, detail) while adressing social issues.
In 2016, the studio decided to par�cipate in CUI Habitat II, a Worldwide student’s compe��on set as part of UN Habitat conference about urban and sustainable agenda. In that moment, the conference was located in QuitoEcuador and therefore the compe��on loca�on was set on the country. Three possible scenarios were selected.
One of them, Puerto Roma, a small loca�on in-between a mangle forest in the coast of Ecuador was picked for our team. In an extensive semester, that included internal compe��on between student’s groups, a final proposal was sent. The project “Eco Aldea” was awarded with the first price because it integral response to the local context, itsaproxima�ontowardssusteinabilyinsocio-econimic and enviromental terms and the ingenuous approxima�on towards the brief’s requirements.
The project proposed a modular floatable city to be constructed with typological combina�on. natural and local materials, economic and social sustainability and important spa�al condi�ons were key aspects.
In this student compe��on, I was part of the professor leading team.
David Davalos Sanchez Msc. Architect
Alacero
Inerna�onal student compe��on
For more than 10 years, ALACERO is been elabora�ng a La�n-American steel architectural compe��ons for students. The compe��on is especially complex due to the fact that only each country winner could par�cipate into the interna�onal finals. In 2017, the main program was a kindergarten facility and public space. The loca�on was free to be selected. A special group was formed inside the UDLA’s School of Architecture for this compe��on.
The project is a bold, but logical proposal for the selected loca�on. It works as urban suture to interconnect two sides of a poor neighborhood se�led on the mountain hill of Quito Ecuador. The habitable bridge is one of the ancient and most powerful typological manifesta�ons. In this occasion, this urban bridge contains the desired func�on and poten�ate it with public space both in the and above de structure. It aims to not only become a path, but a place of engagement. of social al cultural engagement.
As consequence of the building as bridge, the structure plays an important role in se�ng up the aesthe�cs of the project. A special care inn understanding steel construc�ons results in a extraordinary academic exercise. The connec�on, results to be an impressive element hanging between the mountains and provide a unique urban balcony.
For the first �me an UDLA team resulted na�onal winner of the compe��on.For the first �me also, anEcuadorianteam ended the comple�on with a price in La�n-American finals. h�ps://www.alacero.org/en/page/prensa/no�cias/chile-ar gen�na-dominican-republic-and-ecuador-winners-of-alace ro-contest-2017
2017.
David Davalos Sanchez Msc. Architect
Architecture is not an Object
researchandmasterthesis
Architecture is not sta�c and so the buildings that we inhabit. There are always subject to changes, correc�ons and repara�ons even before those are built and surely a�er their construc�on. Why then, the predominant architectural narra�on s�ll pushes to see it as a sta�c object? In 2008 in “Give me a gun and I’ll make the buildings move” Latour and Yaneva explored this sta�city and claimed that the Actor Network Theory (ANT), an evolving thinking framework driven form Science and Technology Studies, could become the framework to rethink architecture not as an object, a sta�c ar�fact and not just a perfect composi�on but much more.
The following Master Research Thesis aims to understand and explore this framework. Can ANT be helpful in a crea�ve domain such as architecture for a dynamic and changing reality? And if it is, how? The hypothesis is that ANT could in fact enhance architecture in two possible scenarios: Fists as analy�cal tool to expand reality by exposing actors, networks and agencies of a project a�er the design is completed. And second, as framework to enrich the architectural design process by introducing awareness of these actors and networks.
Star�ng by exploring theore�cal frameworks, this research develops these two scenarios. Fist into a deeper inves�ga�on about the process of the Neue Meisterhäuser Dessau (NMH) and second, by designing an architectural design workshop conducted at Bauhaus Dessau in 2020. By considering the assembling of architectural narra�on, this research could, perhaps, open up new possibili�es for architecture as a discicline, as a social prac�ce and as a material construc�on.
David Davalos Sanchez Msc. Architect MSc. Thesis 2020. Research con�nua�on ongoing.
A concrete for “the other half”
research, publica�on and exhibi�on
4 Dec 2020 – 5 Apr 2021
Bauhaus Building, workshop wing, second floor
¨The star�ng point for the Bauhaus Lab 2020 is a block of sulfur concrete that was used in experimental lowcost housing in 1972. The block is part of the archive of the Minimum Cost Housing Group at the Canadian Centre for Architecture in Mon treal. Rallying around the ques�on “How the other half builds,” the group began to inves�gate living and building in developing countries at McGill University in Montreal in the 1970s. The interna�onal par�cipants of the Bauhaus Lab will examine documents and materials from the collec�on of the archive – along with the archival methods themselves. The research results will be shown in an exhibi�on created by the par�cipants at the Bauhaus Building. ¨ 1
I was selected to be part of the Bauhaus Lab 2020. There, an interdisciplinary group were engaged into a mul�layer research, design and curatorial process. Facing difficul�es due to COVID-19, the research evolved from archival research to a mul�plicity of methods and tac�cs in which digital approxima�ons played a major roll as original and side actors came together to inform a richer constella�on that originally envisioned. Due to COVID-19, the opening event was an online event while the physical exhibi�on stands on the third floor of Bauhaus Dessau wai�ng for visitors. Development discourses, informal se�lements and visual ethnography were of my interest. A book publica�on was the last product form this experience. A reflec�on on the process and the exhibi�on result.(2021).
1.h�ps://www.bauhaus-dessau.de/bauhaus-lab-2020-exhi bi�on.html
2020- 2021.
