Planta Sala De Música / music room Plan
1. EXTENTION: Works
0
1 m
By Patricio Cáraves Silva
The following statement is from Alberto Cruz Covarrubias himself: “Architecture is the oriented extension that accommodates.” If we begin with this statement, stated in the twenty year anniversary exhibition of the Architecture College of the Catholic University of Valparaíso (Universidad Católica de Valparaíso), carried out in Santiago’s Fine Arts Museum in 1972, we see that an architectonic work is triggered that unfolds inclusively. The invention to combine life, work and study, convergence that empowers. We can certainly review Cruz Covarrubias’ architectural work, guided and furthermore, illuminated by the before mentioned affirmation. It is also relevant to include a warning made by the architect: “A way of thinking of the oriented extension that accommodates is with the poetry. How come? Because the word is inaugural; it takes, it gives light, says one “pietas” (Virgilio) or extension. Thus, mercy is also the open extension to make our world, exceeds all disappointment and hope and forms our free will” . But still another statement is missing: “We affirm that Architecture is an Art. But two features of architecture as an art and its immediate consequences should be immediately highlighted. One is that it accommodates and shelters for any activity and craft, including the architect. Another one is that simultaneously with accommodating, it enables to shine in his work, the light of that creative courage specific to the human condition” . The set of statements freely exposed in texts, conferences, classes, exhibitions that constitute its architectural foundation, can be touched and seen in the built work. For now, we think that it is enough to refer to only three, located in the Amereida Open City, which is also his work. And for now, we will say that it is the open space that offers hospitality. We’d like to highlight the plural tense that Alberto Cruz uses to expose his work and his statements. It is the form of the collective that he has known to create with, and which he called “the panel”. As such, his first invention was to establish what he denominated “the us”, from the very first day of the constitution of the Institute of Architecture of the Catholic University of Valparaíso and exist still today, embarking six decades uninterrupted.
the Pacific coast. Enclosure built in haste in a single act, to shelter in its interior the celebration of uniting in a complete quorum, those who hear music being executing – vanguard music– as an act of gratitude. Architecture conforms a central light by a light box –lantern – , protagonist of space. It is a clear interior, entirely out of wood. One can access this generous space with no divisions, by one of its three doors. Each door is a half-lit cabinet, so to retain and prolong the passage of the violent light from the exterior to the low light of the interior. Enclosed space with walls –mobile vertical membrane– to acoustically temperate it. Adaptable enclosure to the requirements of each use. In this interior, when music is not being played, room is made for a table for everyone, the fraternal table of the banquet. White, continuous, a celebration table in common unit, once a week. There the guests previously arranged are received, where they hear about their location and the characteristics.
Music Room, 1972
Located in a meander of the fertile valley of the Open City of Ritoque, today it is called the Garden of the Extension, seeking to be a refuge against the noise of
31
Made with FlippingBook Online newsletter maker