Facultad de Arquitectura, Diseño y Urbanismo – Pabellón 3

Can you imagine a building so symmetrical, it could confuse even the most seasoned architect? That’s the Facultad de Arquitectura, Diseño y Urbanismo – Pabellón 3, or FADU as the locals call it. This imposing structure, part of the University of Buenos Aires, is a fascinating study in modernist design and a testament to a turbulent history. FADU’s story began long before this concrete giant took shape. In 1901, the School of Architecture was established as part of the Faculty of Exact, Physical, and Natural Sciences, nestled within the historic Manzana de las Luces. The curriculum mirrored the French Beaux-Arts style, a world away from the modernism that would later define this place. The faculty gained independence in 1947, becoming the Faculty of Architecture and Urbanism. The move to Ciudad Universitaria’s Pabellón 3 in 1971 marked a turning point. Designed by architects Eduardo Catalano, Horacio Caminos, Eduardo Sacriste, and Carlos Picarel, this building is a bold statement in the International Style. The design revolves around a breathtaking three-story central patio, bathed in natural light filtering through a grid of skylights. The symmetry is almost absolute, with twin sets of three elevators flanking the patio, a design so precise it’s said to disorient students. But this architectural marvel hides a darker chapter. During Argentina’s last military dictatorship, the faculty was under the control of Héctor Corbacho, who also taught at the infamous ESMA, a clandestine detention center. Many FADU students and faculty were among the disappeared during this period, their stories etched into the very walls of this institution. The FADU wasn’t always as you see it today. Originally, concrete parasols adorned the facade, offering protection from the intense Buenos Aires sun. However, due to poor construction and lack of maintenance, these were removed in 1992, altering the building’s original appearance and making it susceptible to temperature fluctuations. The design also called for central air conditioning, evident in the coffered ceilings designed for ductwork and suspended panels. However, this feature was never implemented, adding to the building’s thermal challenges. Despite its troubled past and unfinished elements, FADU stands as a symbol of resilience. It has grown to become one of the largest faculties in the university, adding design disciplines to its curriculum in 1985 and becoming the Facultad de Arquitectura, Diseño y Urbanismo. The bustling ground floor, originally intended for workshops, now houses essential student services like bookstores, printers, and a vibrant student cafeteria, a testament to the ever-evolving nature of this iconic building. Even the access you see, with its sprawling outdoor platform and staircase, wasn’t part of the original design. It was added in the late 1980s and now serves as an informal marketplace for students. So, next time you find yourself at FADU, take a moment to appreciate not just its striking design, but also the stories whispered within its concrete walls. Stories of ambition, innovation, repression, and ultimately, survival. They are a reminder that architecture, like history, is never just about the structures we build, but also the lives they touch.