Coming from a family background very focused on social action and political activism, Georgia Cardosi has an innate civic commitment.
“I’ve always felt the need to contribute to society,” says the new professor at the School of Architecture at the Université de Montréal. And I realized one day that architecture and urban planning play an important role in improving the well-being of communities.”
Georgia Cardosi began her career as an architect in the prestigious firm of Luigi Pellegrin, one of the most important figures in Italian organic architecture. “It was then that I realized that my architectural vision was focused on the social aspects of cities. I then knew that architecture could help human beings by bringing beauty and comfort or by promoting socialization.”
Galvanized by this experience and eager to have a positive influence in the community, the young woman then became interested in urbanization in African countries, particularly in Kenya. Faced with the precariousness of the slums of Nairobi, Mme Cardosi begins to work closely with local communities to understand design and construction challenges related to land insecurity issues.
She then devoted two post-professional masters to the theme of urbanization, informality in Africa and affordable housing: the first at the Polytechnic of Milan and the second at McGill University. These studies will prepare the ground for her doctoral research, conducted at UdeM, on design as an adaptation to land issues in Nairobi.
Uncertain contexts, tangible solutions
Georgia Cardosi believes in the beneficial contribution of design and architecture to vulnerable populations. “Architecture is physical. The way we design a place can completely change people’s lives. A bridge connects, a wall divides, a table opens discussions. In architecture and urban planning, we play with matter to manipulate the perception of reality and ultimately improve people’s living conditions through architectural aspects.”
If Georgia Cardosi is particularly concerned about housing issues in Kenya, she is just as concerned about those of her adopted city, Montreal. This is why she also participated, in a Montreal architecture firm, in the design of the Native House of Quebec, a building intended for the homeless native population of the metropolis.
She started work at UdeM last January as a professor of architecture with expertise in project management and urban design. She intends to pass on her passion and convictions to her students.
She also wants to conduct a research program on architecture and project management in highly unstable contexts, in addition to pursuing projects on social and affordable housing in developing countries.
“From Montreal to Africa, I aspire to convince the next generation that architecture can provide answers to issues of spatial and social justice. I also hope, like any human being, to be able to look to the future by contributing to the formation of better living conditions.”