PICO COLECTIVO AS A DESIGN METHODOLOGY FOR FRAGILE TERRITORIES

Abstract

Through the analysis of three case studies, this article aims to discuss methodological and design solutions as an alternative to the phenomenon of socio-spatial segregation, perceived mainly in dependent countries of Latin America. The continent has a history rooted in colonialism and inequality, sharing similarities and differing in socio-territorial aspects. PICO Colectivo, a Venezuelan multidisciplinary architectural collective, operates in fragile territories, especially in its country, for which it aims to recognize the specificities of Venezuela as a systemic situation. This case study has been conceived in dialectics through the interpretation of theoretical references and critical investigations of the collective’s performance. The results include the initial acknowledgement of possible outcomes for other dependent South American countries as an analogy to the event of socio-spatial segregation. The investigation of the principles of the collective, its organizational processes, social insertion, and project methodologies aims to craft an inventory of guidelines that consider the variables of other countries and territories in the Global South to suggest hypotheses of replicability in them, intending to reflect on the role of architecture and urbanism as agents in a segmented society to overcome actions instrumented by the hegemonic system of capital accumulation. We investigate possibilities for such an investment-reliant profession and discipline in finding alternatives in method, design and technique that can promote transformations with their insertion in territories and ponder on the ensuing structural and political changes.