My most recent studio was based in Petare, Venezuela. This city is an informal settlement and is incredibly dense. Within this space, we were challenged to solve problems that we had identified. For me, I chose to solve 3 problems: areas prone to landslides, lack of designated areas to grow food, and lack of gathering space. My design is a pavilion that integrates gathering space, vertical gardens, and retaining walls to solve these problems. This project intends to give ownership to the community of Petare, move as few homes as possible, and help boost the economy that is bustling within this area. I learned what it means to listen in this studio. I learned how to analyze what the problems are, take feedback, and solve them in the most equitable way possible. I also learned that there will never be a true right solution to a problem like this one, and all we can do as architects is to listen, take criticism, and adapt to the needs shared.
