Fernando Castillo Velasco [ 1918 - 2013 ]
Al cierre de esta edición nos sorprendió la triste noticia de la muerte de Fernando Castillo Velasco, Premio Nacional de Arquitectura (1983) y figura esencial de la arquitectura chilena del siglo XX. Por su relevancia, influencia y magnitud, su obra, desarrollada principalmente con su oficina Bresciani, Valdés, Castillo y Huidobro, es ineludible en los registros de la arquitectura moderna del país. En ella destacan edificaciones tan emblemáticas como la Unidad Vecinal Portales, la Universidad Técnica y las Torres de Tajamar. De igual forma y ya desde su oficina personal, sus singulares propuestas para viviendas colectivas -las llamadas Comunidades Castillo Velasco en La Reina, comuna que fundó- aportaron un nuevo concepto para habitar la ciudad. Pero no es solo su obra como arquitecto la que lo define, sino especialmente su gran espíritu de servicio plasmado tanto en la labor como alcalde e intendente como en la de académico y rector universitario (PUC). Toda su obra y su vida estuvieron inspiradas en su gran corazón, su generosidad, creatividad, empuje y voluntad para innovar y comprometer a quienes lo rodeaban para lograr objetivos de marcado sello social. Mi agradecimiento y admiración nacen desde el momento en que me impulsó a estudiar Arquitectura y, luego, a su entrega como profesor, guía y amigo de tantos años. Su personalidad vivirá siempre en sus obras, en los que fuimos sus alumnos y en todos quienes lo conocieron. At press time for this edition we were surprised by news of the death of Fernando Castillo Velasco, 1983 National Architecture Prize and a fundamental figure in twentieth-century Chilean architecture. Due to its relevance, influence and magnitude, his work -developed primarily with his office Bresciani, Valdés, Castillo y Huidobro- has an undisputable place in the records of Chilean modern architecture. Among many others, iconic buildings such as the Portales Neighborhood Unit, the State Technical University and the Tajamar Towers stand out. Furthermore, and from his personal studio, his singular proposals for collective housing -the Castillo Velasco Communities in La Reina, the borough he founded- contributed a new concept for life in the city. However, he is not only defined by his career as an architect, but also particularly by his great public service vocation expressed in his work as mayor and governor as well as professor and university president (Catholic University). His great heart, his generosity, creativity, determination and will to innovate and commit those who worked with him towards objectives of a markedly social nature inspired his whole life and work. My gratitude and admiration began the moment he compelled me to study architecture and later grew being witness to his commitment as professor, mentor and friend of so many years. His personality will live forever in his work, in those of us who were his students and in everyone who ever met him.
Carlos Alberto Urzúa Director Revista AOA Director AOA Magazine
136
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online