Cultural identity in landscape architecture, renovation of Managua's lakeside

Authors

Julio Alvarez, Florida International University

Document Type

Thesis

Degree

Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA)

Major/Program

Landscape Architecture

First Advisor's Name

Juan Antonio Bueno

First Advisor's Committee Title

Committee Chair

Second Advisor's Name

Marta Canaves

Third Advisor's Name

Alice Gray Read

Date of Defense

11-22-2005

Abstract

This thesis examines a design approach in landscape architecture in which cultural and historical values are reinterpreted in a contemporary urban environment. The site of this project is located in Managua's lakeside area, which was destroyed by hurricane Mitch in 1998. The lakeside area has been an attraction to Managua's residents because of its beautiful views and fresh breezes.

The majority of Nicaragua's population is of indigenous descent; however, Managua's urban environment is predominantly of European influence. The pre-Columbian heritage of Nicaraguans is hidden in their cultural expressions, such as the names of places and religious rituals.

This project provides a new lakeside area for Managua in which cultural identity in landscape architecture is represented in the use of the site and in a rescue of Managua's residents' pride in their pre-Columbian heritage. The lakeside renovation was planned using pre-Columbian design methodology and vocabulary to create a functional and environmentally sens~velandscape.

Identifier

FI14050700

Recommended Citation

Alvarez, Julio, "Cultural identity in landscape architecture, renovation of Managua's lakeside" (2005). FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 1503.
https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/etd/1503