Publications
Ancestral and vernacular architecture as contemporary heritage, tourist and cultural resource. The case of the “palafitos” and the route of the 16 UNESCO heritage churches of Chiloé, Chile
Vernacular architecture in Chile's Chiloé, including stilt houses ('palafitos') and 16 UNESCO-listed churches, serves as a valuable contemporary heritage resource that balances cultural preservation with tourism. This study highlights how these unique structures—rooted in ancestral traditions—maintain their authenticity while attracting visitors without succumbing to gentrification. The research analyzes a complete palafito and a church from both architectural and constructive perspectives, alongside media coverage and interviews, to assess their role as tourist and cultural assets. Findings underscore the need for balanced conservation strategies that protect these sites' identity while leveraging their global significance.
The ruin(s) of Chiloé?: An ethnography of buildings de/reterritorializing
Rapid neoliberal transformation in Chile’s Chiloé archipelago has created a dynamic architectural landscape where competing forces of de- and re-territorialization shape cultural geographies. This study reveals how industrial aquaculture-driven urbanization clashes with heritage sites, particularly colonial-era churches, while new corporate retailers and shopping malls reshape consumer lifestyles. Using ethnographic methods, the research highlights the tension between commodification and preservation in a region transitioning from rural communalism to modern urban landscapes.
The Restorers of Chiloé by Rosabetty Muñoz
The restoration of religious statues in the Churches of Chiloé reveals a unique blend of artistry and cultural reverence. Over centuries, wooden carvings of Jesus, Mary, and saints in 21 islands off southern Chile succumbed to weathering. A team of non-religious restorers, collaborating with local fiscal officials and villagers, meticulously repaired these artifacts, demonstrating profound respect for both the objects and their devotees. The process highlights the enduring cultural significance of these statues, even among those not directly involved in religious practices. Photographic documentation by Chilean photographer Mariana Mathews further captures the silent sanctity of Chiloé's saintly imagery, preserved in a digital museum.
Memória de Compu - Análise crítica do património chilote
A critical analysis of the rural village of Compu on Chiloé Island, Chile, reveals its unique cultural and spatial identity shaped by maritime influences, historical development, and community dynamics. The study highlights the significance of the church as a defining element in both landscape and cultural terms, while also emphasizing the active role of residents in the village's progress. Through fieldwork and social analysis, the research explores Compu's territorial organization, its connection to the sea, and its potential future development, offering insights into the broader context of Chile's coastal heritage.
Las unidades espaciales asociadas a la religiosidad chilota: Evolución de las entidades pobladas
Research on the Churches of Chiloé reveals that churches, both architecturally and symbolically, historically served as central points around which urban settlements in the archipelago developed. However, contemporary globalization and urban expansion threaten this cultural pattern by encroaching upon spaces integral to religious expressions, transcending the traditional boundaries of church properties. The study employs a spatial analysis approach to trace the evolution of populated entities linked to Chilote religiosity, highlighting the tension between historical urban development and modern cultural shifts.
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