Architectural Anthropology: Learning by Experience, Designing Through Aware
September to November 2024
The Bachelor in Architecture program at Universidad Panamericana Aguascalientes offers a unique learning experience that bridges academic concepts with practical applications. One of the most striking examples of this approach is the "Architectural Anthropology" course, taught by Prof. Dr. Ezequiel Colmenero-Acevedo. During the seventh semester, students embarked on a semester-long research project that not only enhanced their academic understanding but also brought them closer to the realities of urban life in low-income neighbourhoods of Aguascalientes. This initiative highlighted the transformative power of architecture, not just as a discipline, but as a tool for social betterment.
A Semester of Immersive Learning
The project was centred on fieldwork in several neighbourhoods on the western side of Aguascalientes, including Miradores, Los Pericos, Los Laureles, and Cumbres, with a specific focus on Cumbres III. Over the course of three visits, students gained firsthand insights into the living conditions, urban form, services, architectural characteristics, and lifestyles of local inhabitants. By combining theoretical knowledge with practical engagement, they developed architectural and urban projects aimed at addressing the specific challenges these communities face.
Visit One: Understanding the Community
The first visit took students to the “Comunidad Bonaterra Project,” a community centre run by Universidad Panamericana that has already made significant strides in improving local living conditions and fostering a sense of community. Here, students engaged with dozens of residents through interviews focusing on anthropological concepts such as:
Sense of place and attachment.
Living conditions and urban equality.
Urban integration and architectural integrity.
Public safety and the appropriation of public spaces.
In addition to these interviews, the students attended a lecture that outlined the urban and architectural challenges of the area, providing a solid theoretical foundation for their subsequent work.
Visit Two: Urban Exploration
During their second visit, the students conducted an in-depth exploration of the neighbourhoods. By physically traversing the streets, parks, and public spaces, they connected the insights from their interviews to the observable urban form. This ground reconnaissance enabled them to experience the area as architects in training, gaining a deeper understanding of how urban design impacts daily life.
Visit Three: Home Visits
The third visit took the learning experience to a more personal level. Students were invited into the homes of residents, giving them an intimate view of the challenges and opportunities of social housing in these areas. These encounters allowed students to observe and understand how architectural design directly affects living conditions and community dynamics.
Designing Solutions for Real-World Challenges
Armed with the knowledge from their fieldwork, the students created a comprehensive urban project and three architectural solutions. These proposals were guided by the principle of improving the quality of life and fostering a sense of community in the studied neighbourhoods.
Urban Project
The urban project focused on eliminating fences that separate streets and hinder community interaction. The students proposed creating green corridors, cycling lanes, and interconnected public spaces. These changes were designed to promote:
Enhanced mobility and circulation within the area.
Opportunities for neighbours to meet and interact, fostering a sense of community.
Increased access to parks and recreational spaces, improving mental and physical well-being.
Architectural Solutions
The architectural designs emphasized social housing that prioritizes spatial integration and community connectivity. The proposed designs included:
Flexible Housing Units: Adaptable designs to meet the evolving needs of families.
Community-Centric Layouts: Arrangements that encourage social interaction through shared spaces.
Eco-Friendly Features: Sustainable materials and energy-efficient systems to reduce costs and environmental impact.
Advantages of the Project
Benefits to Society
The proposed projects have the potential to create tangible improvements in the quality of life for residents. By addressing issues such as inadequate public spaces, poor connectivity, and suboptimal housing designs, the initiatives could:
Strengthen the social fabric by fostering interactions among neighbours.
Enhance safety and accessibility through better urban planning.
Promote environmental sustainability through green infrastructure.
Benefits to Students
For the students, this project was an invaluable learning experience. It allowed them to:
Apply theoretical knowledge in real-world contexts.
Develop empathy and a deeper understanding of diverse communities.
Hone their design skills by tackling complex, real-world problems.
Gain practical experience that will prepare them for professional practice.
Benefits to the University
By undertaking projects like this, Universidad Panamericana strengthens its reputation as an institution committed to social responsibility and community engagement. The initiative highlights the university’s role as a bridge between academic research and societal needs, showcasing its capacity to:
Contribute meaningfully to local development.
Equip students with the skills and values necessary to become socially conscious architects.
Foster collaborations between academia, communities, and local stakeholders.
A Transformative Educational Approach
The Architectural Anthropology course exemplifies the university’s commitment to experiential learning. By immersing students in the realities of underserved communities, the course not only teaches them about architecture but also instils a sense of responsibility and awareness of their potential impact as professionals. The combination of academic rigor and practical application ensures that graduates are not only technically proficient but also empathetic and socially engaged.
This approach is particularly significant in a world where urban challenges are becoming increasingly complex. Architects are not just designers of buildings; they are shapers of environments, cultures, and lives. The ability to understand and address the needs of diverse communities is a skill that will serve these students throughout their careers.
Conclusion
“Architectural Anthropology: Learning by Experience, Designing Through Awareness” is more than a course; it is a transformative journey that prepares students to be architects of change. By engaging with real-world challenges and proposing innovative solutions, the students of Universidad Panamericana Aguascalientes are making a meaningful contribution to society while gaining the skills and insights needed to excel in their profession. This initiative stands as a testament to the power of education to inspire, empower, and create a better future for all.
