Text: Balázs Rose

The Valparaíso School, as it became known, acquired an international reputation for its radical stance and its commitment to dialogue between architects and other disciplines. Since 1970 the Valparaíso School has focused much of its research and design activity on the Open City (Ciudad Abierta) project, created by a group of architects, artists, poets, and engineers with a vision of a city with “no master plan, no imposed ordering devices, and no hierarchical networks of infrastructure.” Originally set up as a laboratory-type environment, this alternative community has since become the place of residence and work for many people. The article introduces the book titled Valparaíso School: Open City Group (2003) which provides insight into this radical experiment in urban development through a series of essays and photographs.