CAF unveils winning desing for new HQ in Montevideo

(Montevideo, June 12, 2012). – CAF –development bank of Latin America– held the national competition award ceremony for the architectural design of the new CAF headquarters building in Uruguay, organized under the auspices of the Montevideo City Government and with the sponsorship the Uruguay Architects Society (SAU, by its Spanish acronym).

"With the closure of the contest and the jury’s decision, we have taken one more step toward our goal of having our own headquarters in Montevideo, which will strengthen our presence in the country while helping the city recover an iconic space for its people," said CAF Country Director in Uruguay Gladis Genua.

"We are very pleased with the large and enthusiastic participation of architects and urban designers in the competition,” Ms. Genua said. “We received many innovative ideas for the renovation of the old Central Market with a view to building the new CAF headquarters. We now have to present the project to city officials in order to lease the property and then call for tenders for the construction work."

The ceremony, held in the existing CAF headquarters in the Executive Tower, was attended by Montevideo Mayor Ana Olivera, who noted the existence of a critical mass in Uruguay which was the reason for the submission of "so many projects in such a short a period." This work "not only will benefit CAF but also the city," as it marks a "continuity of projects" currently being carried out in the Old City and "the completion of the Arts Neighborhood," the perimeter defined around Soriano Street, from Sala Verdi to the Solís Theater.

Architects Carlos Labat, Pierino Porta and Nicolás Scioscia submmitted the winning project, out of the 64 proposals received. They will be awarded the work contract and project management, with a US$90,000 advance fee. The jury carefully evaluated adherence to the terms and conditions of the competition, which sought to encourage a project that integrated into the urban context, applying sustainable architectural solutions embodying urban and environmental quality, as well as functional and economic efficiency.

The proposed renovation includes Bar Fun Fun, a cultural cinema complex, an auditorium, an art gallery, library, dining areas and an interior forest, along with an underground car park for over 300 vehicles. The public areas cover almost 6,000 square meters (64,500 square feet), and the CAF offices almost 12,000 square meters (130,000 square feet). The budget estimated by the winners is US$17 million, although this figure is likely to be rise.

Architects Mauricio López and Matías Carballal received a US$40,000 prize for the second best project, and architect Jorge Bergamino received US$20,000 for winning third place. Two special mentions with US$10,000 prizes each went to projects submitted by architects Mario Báez and Adrián Durán, and by Victor Lorieto, Conrado Pintos and Luis Santellán. Estudio Torrado, Bednarik and Bruzzone and architects Hector Berio and Arturo Silva received honorable mentions.

The jury was composed by Rogelio Mayorca and Elisa Silva representing CAF; Francisco Bonilla, for Montevideo’s City Government; Hugo Gilmet, for Uruguay Architects Society; Luis Zino, named by the competitors in a direct vote; and Roberto Villarmarzo as the jury’s secretary.

Following the competition, the project has to be submitted to the government of Montevideo (City Hall and Departmental Board) for the property’s concession. All the projects will be exhibited at the City Hall Atrium on June 20-29 and from July 10 until the end of the month they will be displayed at the Architecture Faculty Hall.