Clorindo Testa facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Clorindo Jose Manuel Testa
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Testa in 2012
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| Born | December 10, 1923 Benevento, Italy
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| Died | April 11, 2013 (aged 89) |
| Nationality | Italian-Argentine |
| Occupation | Architect |
| Buildings | Banco de Londres y América del Sur La Perla Spa |
Clorindo Manuel José Testa (born December 10, 1923 – died April 11, 2013) was a very important Italian-Argentine architect and artist. He was known for his unique and artistic approach to designing buildings.
Testa was a key figure in the "rationalist" and "brutalist" architecture styles in Argentina. His buildings often showed his artistic side. They used lots of color, interesting shapes, and strong ideas. You can see this clearly in his designs for the National Library and the Bank of London building in Buenos Aires. He also helped choose the architect for the famous Opera Bastille in Paris.
Clorindo Testa won the Konex Award multiple times. This is a very important award for visual arts in Argentina. He passed away in Buenos Aires, Argentina, when he was 89 years old.
Contents
Early Life and Learning
Clorindo Testa was born in Benevento, a town near Naples, Italy. He moved to Argentina and later studied at the University of Buenos Aires. He graduated with a degree in architecture in 1948.
Before becoming an architect, he first studied naval engineering and then civil engineering. After finishing his studies, he spent two years traveling in Europe. During this time, he also became a very talented painter. His love for art always influenced his building designs.
His Unique Architecture Style
Clorindo Testa's buildings are easy to spot because they are so different. He was a leader in the "brutalist movement" in Argentina. Brutalism is a style of architecture that uses raw, unfinished concrete. It often features strong, blocky shapes and a very bold look.
Testa loved to use color and interesting textures in his designs. He believed that buildings should tell a story or express an idea, just like a painting. This is why his work feels so artistic and full of energy.
Famous Buildings by Clorindo Testa
The National Library
One of Clorindo Testa's most famous buildings is the National Library of Argentina. Construction started in 1962, but it wasn't opened until the 1990s. This building is a great example of his brutalist style. It has a very strong and unique shape. The library looks like it's floating above the ground. This design was meant to create a large open space underneath for people to enjoy.
The Bank of London Building
Another iconic building by Testa is the Bank of London and South America headquarters. It was finished in 1966. This building is known for its dramatic concrete structure. It has large, open spaces inside and a very modern look. It stands out in the city of Buenos Aires because of its bold design.
Other Notable Projects
Testa designed many other important buildings throughout his career. These include the Hospital Naval (Naval Hospital) and the La Perla Spa in Mar del Plata. He also designed parts of the Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires and the Centro Cultural De La Ciudad De Buenos Aires (Cultural Center of Buenos Aires). Each of his projects shows his unique vision and artistic touch.
Awards and Legacy
Clorindo Testa was recognized many times for his amazing work. He won the prestigious Konex Award three times: in 1982, 1992, and 2012. These awards celebrate the best artists and thinkers in Argentina. His buildings are still admired today for their creativity and impact on architecture. He left a lasting mark on the cities he worked in.
Images for kids
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1959 - Bank of London and South America (today the Banco Hipotecario)
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1979 - National Development Bank
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Arbol de la Vida (Tree of Life) by Clorindo Testa, located in the Amijai synagogue in Buenos Aires
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2002 - Campus in Pilar.
See also
In Spanish: Clorindo Testa para niños
