Since 2019, I have been a lecturer at the Design School of the University of La Serena, teaching courses in design, photography, audiovisual, and commercial management. In addition to my teaching duties, I have collaborated on curriculum planning and participated in the development of complementary academic projects.
One of the most notable projects has been the organization of the university’s first Diploma in Public Space, whose objective was to promote reflection on the use, design, and appropriation of public space, as well as its impact on community quality of life. During the preparation and dissemination of the diploma, we created an academic platform for interdisciplinary debate, involving students, academics, and social actors, strengthening the university’s connection with the community and generating proposals to improve the urban experience.
With the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, we were forced to explore new methods of education and communication. Alongside other lecturers, I helped develop El Rectángulo Negro, a virtual space that began as meetings between students and professors but quickly evolved into open discussions featuring guests from various disciplines, such as artists, designers, architects, and other professionals, to share experiences and discuss how the pandemic was affecting their fields.
We later replicated the experience as part of the Diploma in Public Space, this time involving cultural managers, political authorities, musicians, and social organizations, fostering dialogues on the use of public space and its impact on the community.
Currently, I continue my teaching duties and collaborate with students on a new project called Why Are You Here?, which follows the spirit of the previous projects, encouraging reflection on the role of designers in contemporary society. The project explores the motivations and challenges faced by students in their professional training, conducting various interviews and discussions with professionals from different fields to offer a broader and more critical perspective on the impact of design on society.
The discussions and dialogue spaces have revitalized student participation, enriching the educational experience and connecting the university with social and cultural realities. A notable example was the participation of students in El Rectángulo Negro, where some of them shared their experiences on how the space helped them discover new perspectives for their academic projects and strengthen their sense of community during isolation. These initiatives have also strengthened ties between the university, local authorities, and other organizations, consolidating its role as an active agent in the community. These initiatives have also strengthened ties between the university, local authorities, and other organizations, consolidating its role as an active agent in the community.
