Authors: Laura Rodriguez, Zareth Agramont, Sara Valencia, Jose Moreno, Ramón Márquez
Research work developed by the Architecture in Colombia Observatory students for the “Modern Movement Educational Worlwide Intiative – MoMo-EWI” as part of the 18th International Docomomo Conference held in Santiago, Chile.
Advising professors: Ingrid Quintana-Guerrero, Maarten Goosens
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In 1938, national and local authorities of Colombia joined forces with private parties with the objective of promoting a modern Bogotá. This initiative coincided with events such as the first Bolivarian games, the “Revolución en Marcha” government plan of progressive President López Pumarejo and the celebration of the 400th anniversary of the capital’s foundation.
To achieve this, public and private projects were built, regarding
culture, education, sports, housing and public services, aimed at bringing the capital closer to modern standards of habitability, functionality, and urban life.
Some notable projects include: Vitelma Water Treatment Plant, Jimenez Avenue, Bolívar Parkway, National Library of Colombia, Media Torta Auditorium, Central Military Hospital,
El Campín Stadium, the Municipal Prison, BCH neighborhood and multiple school buildings.
Based on archival research, the Architecture in Colombia Observatory of Los Andes University compiled, redrew, and commemorated four representative works that reflect multiple scales.
•Alfonso López Pumarejo: It was the city’s first stadium. Its functional design, modern architecture, and historical context makes it a key work for understanding the ambitions and infrastructure needs for sports facilities in its time.
•San Jorge and Colombia Theaters: These Art Déco projects enriched Bogotá’s cultural life by bringing cinema and entertainment to different social spheres, becoming spaces for artistic expression and community gathering.
•Centenario Neighbourhood: A workers’ housing project in the southern area of the city that, with a modern approach, sought to improve living conditions through functional spatial distribution. The neighborhood dignified workers’ lives by integrating services, schools, and parks into its urban layout.