Over the course of the first half of the 20th Century, a new form of modern architecture emerged in Buenos Aires as a result of social and political changes. This modern architecture was encouraged by advances in technology and engineering. The style is typified by diversity of form, complexity of structure and the volume of metal and plastic used. There are many examples of such modern architecture around the city, including many with significant local involvement.
1) El Faro Towers
The El Faro Towers are twin skyscrapers located in the Puerto Madero neighborhood of Buenos Aires. At the time of completion in 2004, it was the tallest structure in the city and continued to be the tallest until 2008.
The plan of building the El Faro Towers began in 1999 when developers began rejuvenating the dilapidated Puerto Madero dock area of the city. The building was designed by the Buenos Aires firm of architects, Dujovne Hirsh and Associates. The plan was approved in the year 2000 and construction began in 2001. The façade and engineering was performed by the engineering firm Obras Metalicas. The steel and concrete modernist style building was completed in 2005
The El Faro Towers consists of 160 luxury residential apartments. Each tower is 520 feet high and is connected to the other by four sky bridges. A reading and relaxation lounge is located within the highest sky bridge commanding spectacular views of the city, the river and the nearby eco reserve. The structure has a floor space of 615,600 square feet, 46 floors above the ground and two floors below the ground. Amenities within the structure include an outdoor swimming pool, spa, gym, tennis court, solarium and two underground parking facilities for residents and guests.
Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Gertt510
2) Banco de Londres y América Del Sur
The Banco de Londres y América Del Sur or the Bank of London and South America building is one of the finest examples of Brutalist architecture in Buenos Aires. From 1997, the offices of the Mortgage Bank or Banco Hipotecario are located here.
The Banco de Londres y América Del Sur or BOLSA was incorporated in England as the London Buenos Ayres and River Plate Bank in 1862. The headquarters were located in Buenos Aires and the bank had interests in other parts of Argentina and South America. In 1959, the bank located a piece of land in a street corner of the Central Business District of Buenos Aires. The location was strategic because it was here that over half of the financial activities of Argentina took place. Architect, Clorindo Testa won a design competition and created this unique structure that has become a major attraction in the city.
The Banco de Londres y América Del Sur building is a grey concrete and glass structure with extensive canopies. The design was inspired by the Loggia della Signoria in Venice. The structure is so designed that a person sitting inside the bank feels as if he or she is outdoors. The interior space is designed to integrate with the exterior.
Image Courtesy of Flickr and eLPiCa
3) Torre Fortabat
The Torre Fortabat was designed by a famous Italian architect and plays an eminent role in the city’s architectural landscape. Its architectural elegance recalls the French neoclassic models. The tower is also a real symbol of modernity, designed as an intelligent building using the latest technology. Opened in 1993 by a large corporation, it functions as one of the country's major power centers.
Image Courtesy of Flickr and Alejandro Gabriel Alonso
4) Galerias Pacifico
The Galerias Pacifico is a covered shopping center famous for its fresco covered ceilings by leading Argentine artists. It is located between Florida Street and Cordoba Avenue in Buenos Aires.
The Galerias Pacifico building was constructed in 1889 for a large store called the Argentine Bon Marche. The beaux arts building was designed by architects, Emilio Agrelo and Roland de Vacher based on the design of the Parisian store, Le Bon Marche. Later, it became the first home of the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes. In 1908, the British Buenos Aires and Pacific Railway Company bought the building for its offices. The purpose of the company was to built a railway line through Chile to access the Pacific Ocean and the building was renamed Edificio Pacifico.
The Galerias Pacifico was remodeled in 1945 with the addition of a cupola and ceiling frescoes by notable Argentine artists including a magnificent central panel by artist, Antonio Berni. In 1987, a dungeon was found under the building where the military junta that ruled the country between 1976 and 1983 tortured prisoners. It was declared a historical monument in 1989 and became a high end shopping arcade in 1991. Four ceiling frescoes were added in 1991 by well known Argentine contemporary artists including Guillermo Roux.
Image Courtesy of Flickr and lrargerich
5) Edificio Kavanagh
The Edicifio Kavanagh is one of the first skyscrapers in Buenos Aires and has become an iconic landmark of the city. It became one of the city’s National Historic Monuments in 1999.
The Edificio Kavanagh was built between 1934 and 1936. The skyscraper was commissioned by a wealthy heiress Corina Kavanagh who invested her entire inheritance in the construction of the building. The design was by architects, Gregorio Sanchez, Ernesto Lagos and Luis Maria de la Torre. The architectural style was modernist art deco and the structure has a towering form with gradual reductions. It is 120 meters high with 29 floors and 150 residential apartments. Corina Kavanagh lived in the largest apartment that occupied the entire 14th floor for many years. The American Institute of Architects gave their prestigious award for the design of the building in 1939.
When the Edificio Kavanagh was completed it was the highest structure made of reinforced concrete in the world. It was also the tallest building in South America and remained the tallest for many years. All the apartments were fitted with state of the art amenities including modern plumbing and electrical fittings. The upper floors have terraced gardens with spectacular views of Buenos Aires, the river and city parks.
Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Dubstar
6) Sofitel Buenos Aires
The Sofitel Buenos Aires is a luxurious five star hotel located in the quiet Retiro neighborhood of Buenos Aires. Opened in 2003, the complex was designed by Argentinean architects Daniel Fernández & Associates and embellished by Pierre-Yves Rochon. The building's Art-Deco design is very interesting, with diagonal braces for security purposes and an arched roof made of glass that is decorated with black and white marble.
Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Tomasz Dunn
7) Museum of Latin-American Art of Buenos Aires (MALBA)
Founded in 2001, the Museum of Latin-American Art of Buenos Aires (MALBA) is a non-profit cultural center. It has permanent exhibits of art and film and also hosts its own cultural programs. The building is ultra-modern in its design, with lots of glass used in its construction. It makes the museum building a sight to see in itself, to say nothing of the fantastic collection of artworks by Constantini inside.
Image Courtesy of Flickr and alband13
8) Le Parc Tower
Le Parc Tower is a high end, luxury residential skyscraper located in the Palermo district of Buenos Aires. It was the tallest structure in the city between 1996 and 2002.
Le Parc Tower was designed by architects, Mario Roberto Alvarez and Associates. It is 158 meters high with 51 floors. It has become an iconic structure in the skyline of Buenos Aires and is clearly visible from boats sailing down the River Plata. The structure is designed to give security and stability with minimal use of land. It is surrounded by an 8000 square feet green space and the nearest structure is 60 feet away. This gives the residence a feeling of privacy amidst the crowded city.
Le Parc Tower commands spectacular 360 degree city views. On a clear day one can see the Uruguayan coast and the delta islands of the River Plata. It has forty three floors with two apartments on each floor. Floors 44 to 47 have duplex apartments that cover an area of 700 square meters. All apartment have luxury high end amenities. There are two covered car parks and a helicopter landing space on the top. At the back of the building is a unique rounded mechanical shaft that runs up the length of the structure.
Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Javier