Abstract:

The search of new ways of bringing students closer to reality has generated different methodologies where theory and practice meet. In this framework the project “Valley of sustainable forests” was developed as the final assignment for the Landscape topic course that is part of the bachelor’s degree in architecture in Tecnológico de Monterrey Campus Querétaro. Through diverse ethnographic techniques, participative design activities and the interaction between teachers, students, and the community of Tilaco in Landa de Matamoros, which is part of the Sierra Gorda Biosphere Reservation, the insights that gave birth to this project were obtained. The dialogue between Vernacular Architecture Conservation, New agricultural forms: Sustainable tree forests,New public spaces and local economy social impact is the framework for the next document. Alongside, a theoretical approach was taken through the work of Nan Fairbrother “New Lives, New Landscapes”. As she states “proper land use is human ecology” with a four-part framework the English writer explains how rurality needs an evolution where the “old ways” of doing things have a value among the “new ways”. This framework was later translated into the design strategies.

The followed steps and methodology used for this project are presented in the following paper, enriched with the perspective of both teacher and students. The final product reflects the community of Tilaco, what they do, what they love, their cultural identity and their aspirations, all aligned with the territorial intentions and ideas of the Sierra Gorda Biosphere Reservation.

Keywords:

Participative Design, Ethnography, Vernacular Architecture, Sustainable Resource Use, Landscape.