Author: Ashley McKnight

Adios Chile!

The first time I realized that the trip was officially over was when I was oddly able to understand every one around me. I felt the unnecessary need to keep saying “gracias” or “lo siento” in response to people. While I love the ability to finally understand the words being spoken next to me, it is very bittersweet to be back home.

I reflect on all of the experiences that I had seized during my time in Chile. My favorite memory was the group’s time at the monastery – looking around and seeing all of us in awe from how picturesque the building was, sketching in silence. While that moment was my absolute favorite, I loved everything else about the trip from seeing all of the beautiful buildings in Santiago and eating amazing food, to almost losing the group in Baquedano. Every memory made is one that I will always cherish.

From this trip, I have learned so much. While the tourist attractions were amazing, I also enjoyed our free time where we got to fully immerse ourselves into the culture as regular Chileans rather than visitors (Colin’s Spanish skills surely helped us to do this). Chile was a helpful and enjoyable sneak peak into my time after college as I hope to spend the summer after graduation traveling around the world. If my travels go even half as well as this one, I will be ecstatic.

Unfortunately, I have to get to all of the homework and exams that I had awaiting my arrival, however I will still be day dreaming of empanadas and 80 degrees the entire time.

Nonsuccessful Qualities of a Successful Place

We have visited many public spaces throughout this trip. Some are extremely large and control the interaction that happens within them. For instance, Plaza de Armas is made up of both wooden benches and concrete seats. The wooden benches are nailed into the ground making them unmovable. Similarly, the concrete seating is around the trees and is also immobile. One of the most important qualities about a public open space is the way in which it allows for interaction. As William Whyte has pointed out, a successful characteristic is for a space to allow movement and freedom of choice through movable chairs. This will make the users more comfortable. However, Plaza de Armas clearly did not have this quality, yet was still a successful place full of people. On the other hand, the open space within GAM had plenty of moveable options and the freedom of choice in interaction. For instance, the picnic benches were able to move and allowed users to face one another or separate ways. Similarly, the concrete benches, while not moveable, are close enough to allow a larger group to interact together, or for strangers to turn away from each other. It was extremely interesting to me that while Plaza de Armas seemed to be missing a key quality of a successful place, it was far more packed than the GAM plaza that I have analyzed above.

Contrasting Elements

Today, we saw many buildings. The first thing that I realized about them is the contrasts within each of them. I believe that these contrasts are used to emphasize the thoughtful materials and designs. In the Torres Simenas, the eye catching contrast is that of the glass shell with the wood that wraps around its bottom. However, as you go inside there are several more subtle, yet clearly well thought differences amongst the glass, differing wood types, and metal railings. This gives the building a look that is sleek and modern, but also rough and imperfect. In the chapel, the curvature in the roof contrasts the straight lines of the wooden posts laying below it. The perfectly symmetrical posts lie behind the roof which takes an asymmetrical form through its curvature. More over, such contrast throughout both buildings also work to emphasize light vs dark features. The light  creeping in from above the chapel becomes more eye-catching as it follows the exact curve of the roofed opposed to if the roof were closed and flat. Similarly, the metal rods in between the inner and outer shell and on the outside of the glass of the Torres Simenas create beautiful shade within the glass, brightly lit building.

The shade created between the glass and concrete shells.

A place where all of the materials meet.

The curving roof against the wooden panels.

Not So Four Stories Underground

Today, we visited the La Moneda Cultural Center. What was 4 stories under the ground seemed like it was right on top. The amount of environment brought into the space was astounding. The beams at the roof of the building let in a wonderful amount of light. The slits were comparable to a clerestory or an oculus that I had learned about in 2300 due to the way it allowed in the elements that surrounded the building. The stones and plants lining the wall of the center also worked to make the basement building  feel like it was just a doorway back out to ground floor. The light and vegetation within were strategically chosen to pull in the outdoors in an astonishing way.

Ashley’s Pre-Departure Reflection

It feels like just yesterday that I worked up the courage to sign up to go abroad. I would see Aimee’s slide pop up every lecture class in 2300, urging us to go to Santiago. I figured that if she was as persistent about sparking our interest as she was, that it has to be a good trip.

As tomorrow, our departure day, rolls around after months of eagerly awaiting it, I could not be more excited. Unfortunately, however, my excitement is masked by all of the desperation I have to finish my assignments before Spring Break. I think of how this time tomorrow, I will be (hopefully) asleep on a plane leading me towards good food, amazing weather, and even better sights. One of the sights I look forward to most is Elemental’s Innovation Center. I spent a lot of time analyzing it in 2300 after I figured out that I was all in for this trip so it will be nice to see the comparisons, differences, and new findings in person.

I  have all of the essentials such as sunscreen, my passport, and of course spending money so I hope I am not forgetting anything, but I guess ill have to wait to find out! I also got a few extra gadgets such as camera lenses and disposable cameras which I am thrilled to put to use.