French Architecture in Buenos Aires
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French architecture in Buenos Aires was developed under the auspices of the nation’s government. In the first years after independence from Spain, the new country needed professionals and naturally would not bring them from the country from which it had recently gained independence.
This is how, during the first half of the nineteenth century – a turbulent and dangerous time in Europe – many renowned architects and French engineers, who were very eager to be hired to work away from the danger of wars and coups, had a reach that was so far from their own land. These high-ranked professionals left a great impression on Buenos Aires.
Among the first buildings that rose in the thriving independent homeland was the neoclassical facade of the Buenos Aires Metropolitan Cathedral, designed by architect Prospero Cetellin. It is said that, although the design was signed by Cetellin, it would have been a draft of Pierre Benoit.
About the same time, another emblematic building began to be built: the Teatro Colón of Buenos Aires, under the watchful eye of Charles Pellegrini.
As mentioned above, urban design was under the leadership of Pierre Benoit, a multifaceted marine architect and engineer, born in 1794 in Calais. He arrived in 1818 in Argentina and then nationalized. His son Pedro, born in Argentina, was a prolific engineer and well-known.
Another important milestone was the arrival in 1868 of Jules Dormal from Belgium, who had gained a degree as an engineer from his home country. After that, he graduated from l’Ecole Polytechnique in Paris as an architect.
Dormal left a visible and high-quality legacy, such as the magnificent Brazilian Embassy, inspired by the Jacquemart-André Museum.
Amongst the multiplicity of works that Dormal carried out were the designs of the Park February 3, the Avenida Sarmiento, the Gates of Palermo and the Steps of the Hippodrome.
Further works by Dormal include the second building of the Opera House, the building of the National Bank of Villa Urquiza and some of the pavilions of the Buenos Aires Zoological Garden.
Atucha Palace
“The Water Museum is housed in a building modelled on the French style of architecture, with infrastructure developed by an Englishman, the design of a Norwegian architect and a Swedish engineer, and the hands of Italian and Spanish workers.”
There is repeated criticism, heard and often read, that the influence of French architecture in Buenos Aires should not be seen as so necessary and that the Spanish and English influences are equally significant.
Without detracting from such contributions, it must be clarified that although many buildings have been lost, or destroyed as the result of a misunderstood modernity, the influence of French architects and French schools is the most significant mark on quality and development in the city.
Emblematic Buildings of French Architecture in Buenos Aires
By Norbert Maillart-August, a French architect born in Saint-Just-en-Chaussée in 1856. He worked in Chile, Uruguay and Argentina.
Palace of Justice
Built off the new Plaza Lavalle. This imposing building, which occupies the entire block between Talcahuano, Lavalle, Uruguay and Tucumán Streets, opened in 1910. Like other public buildings, it was modified from the original style, resulting in a lack of a respectful attitude towards the architect’s original design, repeated in many interventions by younger architects and authorized by the city government.
Colegio Nacional of Buenos Aires
Colegio Nacional of Buenos Aires
A French academic style of the École des Beaux-Arts, in a monumental version of large columns and arches. It has a large gallery facade and a marble staircase. Its internal courtyards give light and air to the building, which is absolutely symmetrical.
Estrugamou Palace
Estrugamou Palace
This is a building of the eclectic style of classical baroque and the Second Empire by the architects Eduardo Sauze and Auguste Huguier. The materials were brought from France and the oak floors were from the Slavonia region of Croatia nowadays.
Urbanism, Decoration and Landscaping
The French style was not only limited to buildings but was manifested in the decoration of each building designed by Gallic architects. It influenced the purchase of furniture, curtains and lights by French manufacturers and French woodworkers for fine finishes and superb details that can be seen in buildings open to the public.
Landscaping
In 1889, Charles Thays, born in 1849 in Paris, France, came to Argentina and then nationalized. Charles Thays was a disciple of Edouard André, a renowned architect, landscaper and French botanist.
As an architect, urban planner, naturalist and landscaper, Thays developed an extensive career in Argentina. He founded the Botanical Garden and was the creator and remodeler of 69 squares and public places in Buenos Aires and 16 provinces.
As Director of Parks and Walkways since 1891, he influenced the design decisions and remodelling of each park in Buenos Aires. He implemented the afforestation of streets and avenues with native trees of northern Argentina, such as Jacarandas and Tipas.
“… gardens especially up along the free spaces of the avenues. Where there was usable land, even if it was less than ten meters wide, there, meticulous as a Japanese, Mr. Thays appeared with his workers to transform it into a harmonious shade. Literally lurking in every corner, there was possible tender verdure, and planting of corolas between propitious trees.”
The significant influence of Thays, continued for more than a century by his descendants, gave context to the buildings and then spread through the extensive parks he designed and executed.
Buenos Aires is not composed only of buildings. Urban design, parks and squares are marked by French influence. Gardens, being the city’s heritage, have not been demolished, as many buildings have, but rather, have survived the waves of new influence.
Do you want to know more about Argentina? Then read some of our other Argentinean posts.
English Editor: Audrey van Ryn
Writer & Translator: Mª Verónica Brain
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Great info. I´d suggest the Architecture Private Tour in Buenos Aires me & my friends took. We chose between 4 different architecture tours, finally choosing the Aristocratic Buenos Aires Tour, visiting city´s most elegant area, plenty of palaces & embassies. Ask for Kangoo Tours: http://www.goo.gl/C6pQU3