Certain materials offer a wide range of applications, and wood is undoubtedly one of them. This noble material can assume various roles: structurally in tectonics, as floor cladding in finishes, or even as a functional and decorative element in furniture design. Depending on its application, wood tells a different narrative. In facade design, its integration imparts a distinct character; indeed, beyond contributing to the building's identity and aesthetics, it also plays a crucial role in its functionality.

When discussing wood facades, screens and timber batten patterns are recurring elements. Through this approach—in contrast to modular systems—customizable combinations can be created for each project, conveying a unique artisanal beauty tailored to the intended design. Furthermore, wood offers outstanding characteristics in terms of sustainability, solar control, weather resistance, and energy efficiency. Together, these qualities allow the facade to function as a dynamic interface between interior and exterior, mediating light, shadow, and views.

Certain materials offer a wide range of uses, and wood is one of them. This noble material can take on various roles: structurally in tectonics, as flooring in finishes, or even as functional and decorative elements in furniture. Depending on its application, wood adopts a distinct narrative. In facade design, its integration lends a unique character, as it not only contributes to the building's identity and aesthetics but also plays a crucial role in its functionality.

When discussing facades and wood, screens and timber batten patterns are recurring elements. Through this concept—in contrast to modular systems—highly customizable combinations can be created for each project, conveying a unique, artisanal beauty tailored to the intended design. Furthermore, wood offers remarkable qualities in terms of sustainability, solar control, weather resistance, and energy efficiency. Together, these qualities allow the facade to function as a dynamic interface between interior and exterior, also mediating between light and shadow, as well as views.

On the occasion of the recent XXI Chilean Architecture Biennial, Juan Pablo Urrutia, a member of the curatorial team, spoke with Spanish architect Andrés Jaque, founder of the Office for Political Innovation, whose practice explores the intersection of the everyday and the political in architectural design.

It is increasingly common to observe how current generations, characterized by greater respect and awareness of the environment, seek new ways to interact with nature while assuming a deep responsibility to protect it. Accordingly, the future of architecture is closely tied to the ability to balance these desires and obligations, particularly in the design of natural public spaces.

By integrating subtle paths and walkways, public space design can open up access for people of all ages and abilities. Combined with a natural material palette, architects and designers can create spaces that complement their surroundings. Yet, however beautiful these natural areas may be, making them safe and suitable for visitors can have detrimental effects on the environment. Consequently, design and material selection must be approached mindfully and with care.

Recent environmental pollution incidents in the Chilean cities of Quintero and Puchuncaví have reignited the debate surrounding the health impacts on residents of so-called sacrifice zones. Last August, the Chilean newspaper La Tercera reported that these cities on Quintero Bay coexist with "15 major energy, chemical, and fuel companies," including a smelter, a natural gas plant, and four thermoelectric power plants.

In response, Chilean architect Leonardo Quinteros has developed "Marine Forest" as his thesis project. The proposal features a decontamination platform designed to bioremediate the bay using cultivated brown algae, drawing on research into methods for extracting and absorbing heavy metals to demonstrate the species' potential as a marine bioremediator.

Quinteros—winner of the 2015 CNPP and currently designing the new Providencia Municipal Building in Santiago alongside Tomás Villalón and Nicolás Norero—based his project on a decontamination plan known as FIC Algas. Developed by the Faculty of Ecology at Andrés Bello University (UNAB) in collaboration with the Regional Government of Valparaíso, FIC Algas

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Designed by architects Tomás Villalón, Nicolás Norero, and Leonardo Quinteros, the Educational Theater of the Arts of Panguipulli has been chosen in Chile as the winning work in the architecture category of ESENCIALES x ArchDaily 2022.