Banco de Londres y América Del Sur, Buenos Aires

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.