Description
Kavanagh Building. Buenos Aires, Argentina (1936).
Eng. Luis Sánchez, Arch. Ernesto Lagos & Surveyor Luis María de La Torre.
Rationalist / Art Deco style.
Made in red PLA. Ideal for decorating desks and shelves, adding style and personality to your space.
Dimensions:
Width: 7.5 cm
Height: 16 cm
Depth: 10 cm
Weight: 85 g
(Available in other colors and sizes upon request)
History:
The Kavanagh Building is an essential part of Buenos Aires’ identity. This modernist landmark is fully integrated into the city’s urban landscape and is a key piece in the history of Argentine architecture.
Commissioned by Corina Kavanagh, construction began in January 1934 and was completed in record time, with its official inauguration taking place in January 1936. At the time, it was the tallest building in Latin America and the largest reinforced concrete structure on the continent.
Designed in a Rationalist style with Art Deco detailing, the building rises 30 stories on a 2,400 m² triangular lot. Upon completion, it was the tallest building in South America and the tallest reinforced concrete building in the world, reaching 110 meters in height.
Its proportions, singular volumetry, and urban placement made it a model building of its time. The structure includes five staircases and twelve elevators, each serving different apartment cores. In terms of amenities, it was highly innovative for its era, featuring central air conditioning, a gymnasium, a swimming pool, fur and carpet refrigeration rooms, secure storage vaults, and centralized laundry and ironing facilities.
The concept of the modern skyscraper is clearly expressed in its design. The façades are resolved through strong vertical lines, wide openings, and minimal ornamentation, reflecting its Rationalist aesthetic. The project had to adapt to the triangular shape of the site. Its structure is composed of five juxtaposed volumes: a central core flanked by two lateral volumes, which are in turn accompanied by two smaller outer volumes, creating a symmetrical and dynamic composition.
