Here stands the Faculty of Engineering. It is more than just a building. It represents Argentina’s aspirations in technology and innovation.
The Faculty of Engineering at the University of Buenos Aires has a rich history. Its story began long before its official founding in 1952. Engineering courses were taught as early as 1865. Rector Juan María Gutiérrez ordered the re-establishment of the Department of Exact Sciences then. This included courses in pure and applied mathematics and natural history.
In 1866, thirteen students enrolled. Luis A. Huergo was the first to graduate. He became Argentina’s first engineer. Elisa Bachofen was the first woman to earn an engineering degree. She was a pioneer in Argentina and Latin America.
Early curricula focused heavily on technical drawing and mathematics. Construction and geology received less attention. Surveying was also considered essential knowledge for engineers. The Faculty of Engineering has evolved over decades. It has adapted to meet the changing needs of Argentina.
In 1874, the Department of Exact Sciences split. It became the Faculty of Mathematics and the Faculty of Physical-Natural Sciences. Engineering degrees were offered by the Faculty of Mathematics. The Faculty of Exact, Physical and Natural Sciences was re-established in 1891. Students founded La Línea Recta in 1894. This was the first students’ union in Argentina. A national decree officially established the Faculty of Engineering in 1952. It became an autonomous faculty within the University of Buenos Aires.
Initially, the faculty was located at the Illuminated Block. Later it moved to a Neo-Gothic building on Las Heras Avenue in Recoleta. In 1956, it expanded to include the former Eva Perón Foundation headquarters. This building is on Av. Paseo Colón.
The Av. Paseo Colón building has a striking Neoclassical design. It was originally built as the Eva Perón Foundation headquarters. Construction began in 1951. However, the 1955 coup d’état changed everything. Statues of descamisados were removed after the coup. They were thrown into the Matanza River. Only three were recovered in 1996. Today they are in San Vicente. They mark the burial site of Juan Perón. The building was given to the Faculty of Engineering in 1956.
Today the Faculty of Engineering offers many graduate degrees. These include civil engineering, computer science, and mechanical engineering. It also offers electronic and naval engineering. System analysis is another option. Post-graduate degrees are available at the magister, doctoral, and post-doctoral levels.
The Faculty of Engineering operates under a system of co-governance. Professors, students, and graduates are represented. They participate in the faculty’s governing bodies. The Directive Council elects the Dean every four years. Elections to the council occur every two years.
The Faculty of Engineering has three locations. The main building is on Av. Paseo Colón. Another building is on Av. Las Heras. There is also a chemical engineering annex at Ciudad Universitaria.
The Faculty of Engineering continues to play a vital role. It provides education. It also transfers technology to benefit the nation.