Architecture as a testimony of an era
Like art, literature, music or cinema, all cultural expression is undoubtedly a reflection of its historical moment. And architecture is no exception. Of all artistic expressions, it is the one that enjoys the most palpable and concrete functionality, and its capacity to represent the period in which it was conceived is one of its most outstanding values. If history teaches us that the main drivers of change are social, political and economic, it also shows us that cultural production is a consequence of those forces of transformation.
Our recent history, delimited by the positioning of neoliberal policies in the world, has brought with it a series of profound changes in the ways of life and production, building a process of globalization characterized by an explosive integration between nations, individuals, trade, culture and institutions. In this global fabric, architecture emerges, revealing once again its mark as an expression of an era.
London-Lima, a global architecture is a project carried out under the umbrella of ‘GREAT ARCHITECTURE’, a campaign created by the UK government to raise awareness of innovation in British architecture and design. The exhibition invites visitors to review the development of contemporary British architecture, its international influence, and its effects on current architectural production in the city of Lima. The exhibition is articulated by identifying great exponents of the Anglo region, who have developed iconic projects in the world, and who, through their practice, have been providing answers (or perhaps questions) to the vicissitudes of today’s society. In parallel, the exhibition seeks to generate a dialogue with recent projects designed by Lima architecture offices, distinguishing elements that converse with the vision of Foster+Partners, David Chipperfield Architects, and Grafton Architects. Likewise, London-Lima, a global architecture, highlights, on the one hand, British practice oriented towards respect and coexistence with the design and architecture of the past; and on the other, socially responsible architecture, specializing in the design of educational centers.
Contemporary architecture, then, offers us the testimony of the era in which we live, through processes such as the rise of internationally renowned architects, iconic buildings, digitalization, improved communications, sustainability, investment, branding, corporate symbolism and consumerism, culture and mass tourism, among others. A global architecture that is already part of our collective consciousness and that over the years we will be able to study it from a more historical perspective.
Carlos Caamaño A.
Adam, R., The Globalisation of Modern Architecture, Cambridge Scholars Publishing, (Cambridge, 2012).