CHICANO ARCHITECTURE PROJECTS

​

Excerpts from “Chicanx Architecture: Divine Suppositions in a Multi-cultural Society”

​

Now, to fully appreciate the emerging Chicano Aesthetics of the 21st Century, it is paramount to first understand the pre-1960s socio-economic conditions of People of Color in the United States, more specifically, the plight of the Mexican-American_3 in the Southwest, on the one hand, and on the other, the cultures of the Indigenous peoples of the Americas. Without exception, for more than 400 years, Native Americans, Blacks in the South, and Mexican-Americans of the Southwest have all been subjected to systemic and institutional discrimination, and more profoundly, human rights injustices. For Mexican-Americans as well as Latinx, Mestizos, and Hispanos, there is 20,000 years of history on this hemisphere which provides valuable insights into the origins of their traditions, customs and religious beliefs. Moreover, the ancient cultures of the Americas possessed a heartfelt appreciation of the environment, a deep understanding of mathematics and astronomy, as well as a holistic lifestyle for being in harmony with Nature and their place in the universe. Likewise, their creation of "built-form" and "public-space" by these ancient civilizations sheds important light on contemporary topics, including sustainability, water conservation and management, ecology, recycling, as well as Best Management Practices. 

​

For Mexican-American/Latinx community, with an increasing population approaching 100 million by 2045, now more than ever, is time for everyone to become well-learned of the history and culture of ancient civilizations in the Americas. Said another way, having reached “critical mass”, all voices need to speak openly, freely, and propound the truth. Furthermore, the Chicanx/Latinx community of the 21st Century will need to be an integral part of setting the agenda of the country.

​