- What was the relevance of these architects? They were all very significant. They were able to translate the modern legacy to the realities of their own countries, cultures and contexts. They created modern architecture based on the customs and cultures of their realities. Something that is relevant considering what architectural creation is going through today, when architecture tends to be increasingly international, a kind of catalog of shapes without roots to a place that expands more every day. - Let’s begin with engineer-architect Eladio Dieste (1917-2000) He was a civil engineer. He distinguished himself by working with reinforced ceramic, a new construction technology of brick, steel and a minimal use of concrete. This allowed him to design and build very strong and light curved surfaces. He received the title of honorary architect, a unique case in Uruguay. And in 2005 MOMA, Princeton University and MIT declared “the year of Eladio Dieste” to recognize his work. - What stands out in his work? He had a great sense of form. His technique allowed him to build unimaginable and daring architectural works, such as the Parish of Christ the Worker in Atlantida, the church of San Pedro in Durazno, the Julio Herrera y Obes Deposit in the port of Montevideo and his own house, all built with minimal expense. Although the Parish of Christ the Worker suffered changes that did not leave him completely satisfied, it is considered an emblematic work of Uruguayan architecture. The layout plan shows straight surfaces, but as the walls rise upward they curve into ruled surfaces. It has a vaulted ceiling. The perforated brick bell tower has cantilevered steps to climb and look at the landscape. It is very poetic. Like Luis Barragán, he criticized the excessive use of
windows in modern architecture. - How do you remember him?
He was friendly and very formal. We met in several conferences and he was highly respected. He shared some personal traits with Barragán: both were low profile, scholarly and religious. But while Barragán could have been a Benedictine monk, Dieste would have been a Jesuit, always concerned with great social issues.
Terminal Agrícola, Porto Alegre, Eladio Dieste.
Parroquia del Cristo Obrero, Atlántida.
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