FADA-UNA proposes bringing academic ideas into public administration to improve cities

Paraguay’s public authorities should make greater use of the research and proposals developed by universities, according to José Insfrán, dean of the Faculty of Architecture, Design and Art at the National University of Asunción.

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From FADA, we have been reflecting for years on concrete problems affecting the city and the territory. And through our workshops, numerous proposals have been developed on public space, mobility, housing, heritage, landscape, sustainability and urban quality.

Insfrán said a gap exists between knowledge produced by academia and its application in public administration. FADA-UNA has spent years examining concrete problems affecting cities and the wider territory, while its workshops have developed proposals on public space, mobility, housing, heritage, landscape, sustainability and urban quality.

He proposed permanent working arrangements involving public institutions, municipalities, private companies and universities. The aim would be to bring decision-makers and academics together to consider how to build more welcoming cities and improve quality of life.

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That is why it would be very helpful for the state, municipalities and companies to turn more often to academia and sit together at the same table to think about how to build more welcoming cities and improve quality of life.

Insfrán said universities can study problems from a long-term perspective and imagine alternatives without being governed solely by the urgency of daily administration. He stressed that academia should not take over responsibilities belonging to public bodies. Instead, he called for lasting cooperation with authorities and other involved sectors.

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The university has knowledge, research and also the freedom to imagine alternatives without being conditioned solely by the urgency of day-to-day administration.

“There are years of work, proposals and accumulated ideas at FADA,” he said. “It would be a missed opportunity not to put them at the service of the city and the country.” At the same time, FADA-UNA is trying to sustain its growth with scarce resources. More than 300 new students enter its different programs each year, increasing demands for space, teachers, laboratories and technological equipment.

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At FADA, there are years of work, proposals and accumulated ideas. It would be a missed opportunity not to put them at the service of the city and the country.