How about a university born from railway workshops? That is the story of UNSAM – Campus Miguelete. It stands as a testament to Argentina’s commitment to education and innovation. Let me tell you more about the National University of General San Martín or UNSAM.
Established in 1992, UNSAM emerged from a dual desire. There was decentralization of Argentina’s large universities. There was also a local community eager for a hometown university. This unique origin shaped UNSAM’s identity. The university aimed to meet local demands. It also wanted to fill gaps in the Argentinian university system. Regular teaching began in 1994.
UNSAM’s main campus is Miguelete. It spans 8.5 hectares. It now holds 48000 square meters of buildings. This land once belonged to a rail yard. Imagine steam engines and bustling workshops replaced by classrooms and labs.
The campus transformation began in 1998. The national government ceded the land to the newly created UNSAM. Before that, UNSAM started in 1994. It used facilities temporarily loaned by the Liceo Militar San Martín.
Architects designed a master plan between 2001 and 2004. They would integrate old railway buildings. The Teatro Tornavía was the first restored building. Today, it hosts puppet theater and audiovisual production.
The Rector’s office building is built upon old service buildings. It has 933 square meters across three floors.
The Corona del Tornavía building has a circular shape. It was once railway workshops. It now houses classrooms and laboratories. This transformation wasn’t easy. Over 36 families lived there. The university worked to relocate them. The Corona del Tornavía was built in 1906. It features a circular courtyard. It once served as a railway turntable. This allowed trains to be stored in radial depots. Inside, there are classrooms for 1500 students. There are also libraries and laboratories.
A central circular corridor connects all classrooms. The building’s height allowed for an upper level. Exterior steps were created for outdoor classes. This project received the Ibero-American Prize. It was for the Best Intervention in Built Heritage in 2006.
The UNSAM Central Library is next to the old turntable building. Concrete and glass define its modern design. Cylindrical skylights provide natural light. Wood and glass “cases” appear to float. They act as meeting rooms. An auditorium is located in the basement.
Two old cylindrical tanks once stored fuel. They are now the Tank Auditorium and MicroLAB. Nearby are the Biosafety Laboratory and Environmental Engineering Institute. The Biotechnology Research Institute stands out. It is a long building with small horizontal windows.
The Carpa Auditorium is different from other buildings. It resembles a semi-spherical tent. It uses white synthetic fabrics and curved metal beams. The Institute of Rehabilitation Sciences and Movement is a one-story building. The LaboCluster houses laboratories. It also houses the Argentinian Antarctic Institute.
The Social Sciences building and Nanotechnology Foundation face each other. A plaza connects them. The Social Sciences building resembles a concrete box. The Nanotechnology building features wooden sunshades.
An interesting fact: UNSAM had a land dispute in 2018. The government tried to take part of the campus. It would have been given to a private company. Public outcry led to the suspension of this action.
Campus Miguelete also displays sculptures. These works celebrate the university’s 20th anniversary. They complement the campus architecture. Artists such as León Ferrari and Pablo Reinoso created them. UNSAM’s story shows how a space can transform. From railway workshops to a hub of knowledge. It stands as a symbol of Argentina’s dedication to education.