Dr. Magdalena Novoa

Biography

Magdalena Novoa’s work focuses on the intersections of historic preservation, social justice, politics, cultural heritage, memory, and gender in deindustrialization. She is particularly interested in cultural heritage planning principles and the mobilization of actors to integrate historically marginalized groups, addressing the challenges that arise from changing urban landscapes. Dr. Novoa employs ethnographic, archival, participatory, and arts-based methods to understand the tensions between local knowledges and formal heritage planning approaches, as well as the implications of citizenship constructions. Her engaged scholarship in Chile has involved investigating the role of memory and gender in place-making and insurgent planning, assisting communities in making their places, narratives, and actions visible in policy and practice. Prior to her work in the United States, she worked for the National Monuments Council in Chile as the head of the Education and Participation department, facilitating educational participatory processes at national world heritage sites. Additionally, she worked with the Sorrel Foundation and the Open City Foundation in the UK, leading participatory design and planning processes that involved youth in designing planning environments. Currently, she continues to connect research with practice by partnering with community organizations and NGOs, as well as co-leading the OH! Stgo festival in Santiago, Chile, which provides free public access to numerous buildings and spaces through walks, talks, and tours that showcase urban practices throughout the year.

Research Interests