Imagine the echoes of locomotives mingling with academic discussions at Universidad Nacional de Lanús. This university stands on the grounds of former railway workshops. Universidad Nacional de Lanús is more than just an educational institution. It represents a transformation.
Universidad Nacional de Lanús was founded on June 7, 1995. It emerged from a national law. The law number was 24,496. It began its academic life in a building in Valentín Alsina. The Federation of Meat loaned this building.
In 1996, laws transferred 10 hectares to the university. These lands belonged to the Roca Railway. The laws were 24,750 and 24,751. Three sheds stood on this land. Recycling work began in April 1998. It was inaugurated in October of the same year.
Offices and classrooms found their home here. Food Technology, Social Work and Business Economics flourished. Nursing studies also took place in these halls.
In 2003, another law granted the university a building. Law 25,766 gave them the former Archives of Ferrocarriles Argentinos. This building spanned 19,031 square meters.
By 2005, Universidad Nacional de Lanús had grown. It had 4,072 students and around 500 teachers in 2004. The budget was $11.5 million.
The campus design is intentional. Architects Moscato and Schere developed the original plan. They envisioned a blend of old and new. The architects incorporated old railway buildings. They also planned for future cultural spaces. A cinema complex was considered. The architects thought this would enrich the area. It would benefit students and the community.
The administrative offices were planned to face Yrigoyen Avenue. A grand hall was included. Flexible modules were designed for various uses. These could be classrooms or research spaces. The design incorporated patios for recreation.
Recycled materials highlight history’s value. Quebracho wood and train luggage racks became plaza floors and benches. The old concrete structure in Remedios de Escalada was preserved. This blended history with contemporary technology.
Early in the 2000s, only two buildings were open. These were the Scalabrini Ortiz and Homero Manzi buildings. By 2002, the Arturo Jauretche pavilion opened. It blended railway aesthetics with modern design.
The Leopoldo Marechal building followed in 2004. It added ten classrooms. The Manuel Ugarte building soon joined it. In 2006, the Juana Manso pavilion opened. The Cine Universitario Tita Merello was also completed that year.
The Plaza Quijotanía celebrated the campus’s first decade in 2007. It featured sculptures of Cervantes’ windmills. By 2009, the José Hernández building was renovated. In 2010, the Aula Magna Bicentenario and Carlos Mugica dining hall opened. Sports fields were added as well.
The Leonardo Werthein Institute of Collective Health opened in 2011. New laboratories were inaugurated in 2012. The Macedonio Fernández building was completed in 2013. This expanded the Raúl Scalabrini Ortiz building.
Universidad Nacional de Lanús actively engages in sports. It is a member of the Argentine University Sports Federation. In 2014, the men’s handball team won the Argentine University Games.
The Rodolfo Puiggrós Library opened with the university. It is open to the public. The library has reading rooms and various materials. It also houses Antonio Cafiero’s personal library.
Universidad Nacional de Lanús stands as a testament to Argentina’s commitment to education. It embodies the spirit of progress. This combines history with innovation.