Latin America/Europe Exchanges

Historically, Architecture has components considered universal—generally of a generic nature—and others regarded as local—of greater material significance. However, it is common for both the field of ideas and material conceptions to see extensive and varied exchange between cultures and subcultures. A particular interest in exchanges promotes the orientation of new studies focusing on
interactions.

The interactions between Europe and Latin America have been no less significant. The migration of professionals born in Europe to Latin America since the mid-19th century is another important field of research of common interest, along with considerations regarding the cross-transfer of ideals and examples of modern architecture.

The idea of intersecting histories in architecture and urbanism proposes considering the complex connections between architecture, society, and culture across time and space. Crossed histories is an appropriate framework for researching intertwined realities that emerged from persistent intellectual, technological, and material exchanges through polycentric networks supported by multiple media and meeting platforms.

Migration has been part of this process. During the 19th and early 20th centuries, Latin American lands and towns welcomed millions of Europeans driven out by poverty and totalitarianism.

Conversely, Europe was the destination for thousands of exiles, first during the Latin American dictatorships and later in search of work. Architects, urban planners, and builders have not been exempt from these general trends.
To give a few examples, French architects who joined the newly formed state offices, architects and engineers who accompanied British companies in the mid-20th century, Italian architects and builders who arrived in the second half of the 19th century, and German construction entrepreneurs in the early 20th century, among many others. Later in the 20th century, Ukrainians Gregori Warchavchik arrived in Brazil and Wladimir Acosta in Argentina. Later, Republican exiles from the Spanish Civil War, such as Candela to Mexico, Bonet to Argentina, and Rodríguez Arias to Chile. Exile from Nazism was of the utmost importance, with the Polish Lucjan Korngold settling in Brazil, the Swiss Hannes Meyer and the German Max Cetto in Mexico, Paul Linder in Peru, and Leopoldo Rother in Colombia, among many others.

The ties that connect Europe and America are undoubtedly of great importance and have been studied by academics and researchers from both continents, giving rise to a dynamic body of academic debate.

Interest in historiographical intersections is growing. Interactions and transnational relationships in architecture beyond national borders, including connections between individuals, groups, companies, and governments, need research. Networks of professional collaboration between countries promoted the use of construction systems, the importation of technologies, and the hiring of foreign actors such as engineers, landscape architects, artists, or consultants to carry out companies and projects.

The migration of architects born in Latin America to Europe since the 1960s and 1970s to pursue professional or academic careers is another important field of research of common interest, along with considerations regarding the cross-transfer of ideals and examples of modern and postmodern architecture. The impact of migrant architects who settled in Europe has helped to catalyse significant changes in the local architectural culture.

Thus, many architectural ideas take different forms in places that are very distant from each other. Architecture also conveys intangible values, including quality of life, awareness of bodies in space, relationships with the natural environment and climate, and contributions to addressing human, individual, and community problems. Recognising the dynamics of architectural thought and realisation can bring together a unique field of research. During Latin America’s economic growth in the 20th century, its works were seminal for international architectural culture, making the review of cross-effects and retro-transfer effects a fertile field for research.

On the other hand, European historiographies have traditionally claimed universality and assigned Latin America the role of the local. Where universality and locality lie is an unavoidable point of historiographical debate in exchanges between Europe and Latin America; this group seeks to dismantle the frames of reference that still consider it to expand the richness of historical knowledge without prejudice.