On a recent trip to South America we took the opportunity to cross the Andes Mountain range. Los Libertadores Pass reaches an elevation of 11,483 feet and connects Argentina’s wine country, to Santiago, Chile. The 8 hour bus trip was fascinating and we were stuck to the glass like paparazzi for most of the journey. Of particular interest were the abandoned structures once used to protect outdated train tracks from the snow, ice and wind. Odd as it may be, these dilapidated structures seemed to belong within this pristine environment. There is an uncanny harmony that exists between these modest, horizontal skeletons and the dramatic backdrop of the mountains.
No architect was involved with these structures – they’re too straight-forward and functional. An architect would have adulterated them by over-designing them. Ironically, despite the design efforts of architects, it is often the brutally pragmatic, utilitarian structures devised by engineers that fit in most harmoniously with nature.
In order to better communicate the scale and grandeur of these scenes, today’s photos can be enlarged by clicking on them.
[All photos by BUILD LLC]