Argentine Architecture

The city of Buenos Aires is vast in its area and has a heterogeneous and variable urban fabric in terms of scale. Much of the residential neighborhoods are made up of a mixed-use fabric, where the predominant constructions from several decades ago are the so-called "casa chorizo" and horizontally owned houses, commonly known as PH (Propiedad Horizontal). It is interesting to review how, over the years, these constructions have been modified due to changes in building regulations, which allowed the creation of new typologies, mainly responding to new ways of living within the city. The renovation of these constructions, many of which are used for residential purposes, has also been a conscious response to avoid overbuilding in an already densely populated city. While these projects have been a recurring practice in Buenos Aires for several years now, many young architects of new generations are taking on these challenges, thus generating a trend that seems to have no end and where we find new solutions in each renovation.

Through the post-war 20th century, the Global South saw much influence from foreign architects, often invited by local governments to bring their expertise and visionary thinking. Sought as a symbol of modernity, buildings designed by "starchitects" elevated the image of nations. Decades later, as local industries advance in capabilities, the desire for foreign talent continues to exist. Is this a natural result of globalization or is the continued presence of international architects in the Global South a persistent dependency?

The desert is a landscape in constant transformation. Shaped by the wind, its dunes, ridges, and fissures emerge and fade in an ever-shifting expanse, as if the scenery itself were alive. It is a land of stark contrasts, where the scorching heat of the day gives way to the crisp coolness of the night, revealing nature in its most primal form. In such a dynamic and untamed environment, how can architecture not only integrate but also respect and engage with its surroundings? This is the challenge faced by hotels built within Latin America’s vast desert landscapes.

In recent years, the Argentine architectural field has been shaped by a group of young architects striving to create architecture that responds innovatively to contemporary needs and, above all, to local contexts. Adding their individual perspectives and interests, among them, we can highlight the work of architects Tomás Balparda and Fernando Brunel.

In the architectural production of Argentina in recent years, numerous offices have emerged that, through their practice, explorations, and works, have gained relevance within the contemporary discipline. It is important to highlight that many young architects, even with nascent careers in terms of built work, have managed to establish themselves, demonstrating a unique voice and a defined imprint in their work.

Modernism played an undeniable role in the renewal of architectural ideals, contributing a new attitude toward understanding new ways of living, construction techniques, and aesthetics, marking profound changes in the general perception of the world. In Argentina, while it is complex to define modern architectural production periodically, it is possible to mention some architects who began, starting in the 1920s, to engage with these ideas. The intellectual contributions and architectural creations of Alejandro Virasoro, Alberto Prebisch, Ernesto Vautier, Fermín Beretervide, Wladimiro Acosta, Alejo Martinez, Antonio and Carlos Vilar, Juan Kurchan, Jorge Ferrari Hardoy, Antonio Bonet, Abel López Chas, Eduardo Catalano, Eduardo Sacriste, and Amancio Williams, among others, often included original approaches associated with new modes of thought, manifesting an architecture resulting from the analysis of the local and regional conditions of their cities.

Mies Crown Hall Americas Prize (MCHAP) has announced the five finalist projects for the 2025 Americas Prize, highlighting projects from Argentina, Canada, Mexico, and the United States. The announcement was made by MCHAP Director Dirk Denison and this year's Jury Chair Maurice Cox. The biennial award established in 2013 by the Illinois Institute of Technology's College of Architecture, recognizes exceptional architectural achievements across North, Central, and South America. Considering projects completed between June 2022 and December 2023, it aims to highlight those projects that significantly contribute to their communities and elevate professional standards.

At the intersection of the inevitable influence of the international modern movement and Argentinian architectural tradition, the Grupo Austral emerges as a collective of architects proposing a reinterpretation of Le Corbusier's rationalism, adapting it to the particularities of the local context. In this framework, we can speak of an international architecture that is not merely incorporated but can be considered "appropriated" architecture, meaning it is rooted in Argentina's climatic conditions, lifestyles, and local materials. This leads us to question: How does European architecture correspond with the local? Is it the product of similar situations or a process of transferring architectural images, as has happened throughout history? Is it a mix of both factors? Can we talk about appropriated architecture?

The Argentinian Pavilion at the upcoming 19th Venice Architecture Biennale 2025 will showcase 'Siestario,' the winning project by architects Juan Manuel Pachué and Marco Zampieron, with Brian Ejsmont as a collaborator. Both architects, graduates of the Faculty of Architecture, Planning, and Design at the National University of Rosario, are also co-founders of Cooperativa, a space dedicated to organizing architecture competitions. Currently, Pachué and Zampieron practice professionally and teach in the city of Rosario, Argentina.

Annually, ArchDaily's curatorial team undertakes a rigorous selection process to identify exemplary projects in Latin American residential architecture. The goal is to share these works of architecture with our audience and highlight and promote good practices within contemporary architecture. This meticulous effort focuses on identifying projects that stand out for their design and their positive impact on the environment, innovative use of materials and techniques, and ability to address current needs.