Pieces versus plan, Viña del Mar versus Valparaíso: Cultural diffusion in the journal publications of the 30s

Abstract

This article proposes to relate two ways urbanism and modern architecture intervened in the urban centres of our country at the beginning of the XX century with the clear desire to achieve functional and also symbolic renewal of these cities. The neighbouring cities of Viña del Mar and Valparaíso will be used as examples, where the difference between an urban intervention-based project and and one based on the construction of emblematic architectural pieces not inscribed in any greater plan can be seen with clarity. Viña del Mar’s aspirations to transform itself into an internationally renowned beach resort and Pacific coast tourist destination stands in stark contrast with the civic and representative aspirations of Valparaíso, Chile´s main port. The research used both specifically urban-architectural journals and publications from other fields of study as primary sources in order to achieve a broader critical view of the architecture that conformed and renovated these cities.