Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro (right) meets Japanese Arquitect Riken Yamamoto (left) at Miraflores Palace on February, 2025. Photo: Presidential Press.
President Nicolás Maduro met with Japanese architect Riken Yamamoto, winner of the 2024 Pritzker Architecture Prize. They discussed several urban renewal projects they will develop in the working-class neigborhoods of Petare and San Agustín in Caracas.
“A productive meeting with Japanese architect Riken Yamamoto. We have work ahead of us to promote architectural development and the well-being of the people,” President Maduro said.
He also highlighted Yamamoto’s enthusiasm for the Venezuelan model of communal organization, stating that the architect is “completely fascinated” with the commune plan. “We are moving toward a model of more just and participatory cities,” he said.
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The president also praised the humane approach of Yamamoto’s proposals. “How exciting to see these projects, with which we will make cities more humane,” he added.
Meanwhile, President Maduro indicated that the projects, personally designed by Yamamoto, will have the financial and constructive support of the Together, Everything is Possible Corporation.
Finally, it is important to note that in February, the architect met with the Presidential Commission for the renovation of the Central University of Venezuela (UCV). On that occasion, Yamamoto witnessed firsthand the comprehensive renovation work underway at the country’s largest university.
When interviewed by a Venezuelan journalist, Yamamoto highlighted his admiration for President Hugo Chávez and how he supported and empowered the poor people, especially those in urban spaces. He is also well known for giving preeminence to communities while designing urban spaces. Last November, the Japanese architect visited the resting place of Commander Hugo Chávez at Mountain Barracks in Caracas.
Afro-Venezuelan Consciousness, Transformation, Development and Tourism in Caracas’ own San Agustin
During that visit, Yamamoto gave a lecture at the Magna Classroom of the Central University of Venezuela (UCV). He highlighted the link between architecture and the community of the San Agustín neighborhood in Caracas. He said that, during a visit to the popular area of the capital city, he was able to observe that this community link with the architecture is alive.
“The people of the community invited me to see their spaces. It is a kind of model of the future, it is a beautiful landscape and how they appropriate that artificial space. One sees the influence of President Hugo Chávez there. It was like a reunion with the philosophy of President Chávez, which is very similar to my philosophy,” Yamamoto said.
(RedRadioVE) with Orinoco Tribune content
Translation: Orinoco Tribune
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