PALACIO DE CORREOS

BORGESIAN

The competition scheme for a new bicentenary cultural centre in Buenos Aires imagines a processional operatic garden as a forecourt to the transformed Correos building.

FORUM CULTURAL

The project is an international competition entry for a new bicentenary centre next to the presidential palace and the harbour in downtown Buenos Aires.

The project team was organized by architect and friend Carlos Ventin, originally from Argentina. The submission scheme is titled ‘quartier cultural/forum cultural’ and proposes a radical relandscaping of surrounding blocks to recontextualize the Correos building.

OPEN HEART SURGERY

As well, the scheme proposes a surgical approach to accommodate the required performance programme spaces by carving out the inside of the existing structure and inserting shaped assembly spaces therein.

The playful metaphor of Nick Payne’s artwork ‘alien autopsy’ suggests this surgical approach to the building transformation.

BORGESIAN GARDENS

The surrounding gardens, platforms, canals, bridges, etc., all contribute to reframing a great classical heritage structure in its city, while delivering myriad labyrinthine experiences for visitors to the cultural forum.