Abstract

FERRUFINO-MARTINEZ, Carlos Ernesto. Modern architecture in El Salvador (1950-1980): an interpretation of two trends. Rev. Arquit. (Bogotá) [online]. 2023, vol.25, n.1, pp.40-52.  Epub June 01, 2023. ISSN 1657-0308.  https://doi.org/10.14718/revarq.2023.25.4139.

Between 1950 and 1980, modern architecture in El Salvador consolidated and produced some of its most remarkable works under two trends. The first trend was structural rationalism, based on the plastic qualities of rein-forced concrete, the development of sun protection elements, shells, paraboloids, and the integration of murals and other artistic elements. The second approach was organic, interested in the recovery of the vernacular and integration to nature through a Wrightian language, landscaping, and more complex geometries. These differentiated trends disclosed a gradual dynamic of adaptation of modern language to the environmental and technological conditions of the country. The work of foreign and Salvadoran professionals trained abroad exposed local permeability to international influences. Finally, the state played a significant role as a promoter of modern architecture. However, this valuable exercise of conscious assimilation of modernity did not arrive to establish a proper dialogue with global and Latin American design codes, which remains a pending task for contemporary practice.

Keywords : concrete; cultural identity; modernization; organic architecture; rationalism.

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