Did you ever hear of a building that sparked a firestorm of controversy just by standing tall? Edificio H, part of the UNAM’s Faculty of Political and Social Sciences, managed to do just that. Located on Circuito Mario de la Cueva, this eight-story structure designed by architect Raúl Kobeh disrupted the harmonious views of the university’s Espacio Escultórico. Ironically, Kobeh himself participated in the Espacio Escultórico’s master plan. Imagine creating something meant to enhance an environment, only to have it partially obscure a masterpiece.
The Espacio Escultórico, inaugurated in 1979, is an ecological reserve showcasing six geometric sculptures against the backdrop of the volcanic Pedregal landscape. Its central platform offers panoramic views of the valley and surrounding mountains. However, since Edificio H’s completion in February 2016, its silhouette has intruded upon this vista, sparking outrage among artists, researchers, and academics. Even Yoko Ono joined the chorus of voices demanding action, signing a letter along with prominent figures like Teodoro González de León, who advocated for the building’s demolition. There were talks of spending 30 million pesos to demolish the offending floors. But a UNAM commission ultimately decided against it, stating that the building adhered to university and international regulations. Their solution? Any alterations must be reversible, non-permanent, and non-invasive. A far cry from the outright demolition some had hoped for.
The controversy surrounding Edificio H raises questions about the oversight of construction projects within the UNAM campus. The university, typically meticulous about preserving its grounds, seemed to have overlooked the potential impact of this building. The incident draws a stark contrast with the careful planning that went into the construction of the university’s metro station, a project overseen by the Faculty of Architecture. The story of Edificio H serves as a reminder of the importance of considering the interplay between architecture and its environment, and how even well-intentioned projects can have unintended consequences.