Elisa Silva’s presentation highlighted her work with self-built neighborhoods in Caracas, Venezuela, where over half the population resides in barrios. She redefined housing as a dynamic process, focusing on community-driven growth rather than static designs. Through projects like 'La Casa de Todos', she transformed abandoned spaces into cultural and social hubs, emphasizing inclusion and adaptability. Silva urged architects to act as facilitators, allowing spaces to evolve organically. She also addressed the stigmatization of barrios, advocating for their recognition as vital, resilient parts of urban life. In a conversation with Philip Ursprung, they discussed the political and economic challenges in Caracas, touching on land ownership, the role of communal initiatives, and how empowering self-built communities fosters resilience and inclusion.
"Housing is not a noun but a verb. It’s about what housing does — its contribution to livelihoods and communities."
— Elisa Silva
