Cristopher Alexander, Experimental housing project-PREVI, Lima, Perù, 1970

Cristopher Alexander is an english architect and design theorist. In order to understand both the architectural and the urban project of C.Alexander, the concept of participation is essential. It may be described as the fact that the inhabitants are the most able to think about the architecture of the buildings they will live in. It allows us to introduce patterns which are models through which the community organises and controls its spatial environment. In addition to their participative aspect, most of his projects are thought to be light constructions made out of common materials.

The Studios he designed in Lima genuinely take this challenges. The flats, which are conceived for low income families, take several factors into account : climate, functionalities, respect of the local traditions. It also aims to promote freedom of individual choice. The consistency of furnitures and architecture is therefore very important. The presence of recesses which can be used for several functions helps to solve the problems raised by low income housing, such as the conservation of areas of privacy, or the optimization of ventilation and enlightenment.

References :

Alessandra Tononi and Debora Zanoletti
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christopher_Alexander
https://iqbalaalam.wordpress.com/2013/01/20/previ-experimental-housing-project-lima-peru-part-ii/

Authors :

Halamek
Rosane
Delage
Rosset