Segundo Cardona facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Segundo Cardona
Born	Segundo Cardona Colom 1950 (age 74–75) San Juan, Puerto Rico
Nationality	Puerto Rican
Alma mater	University of Puerto Rico
Known for	Architecture
Notable work	BPPR Urban Hub BPPR Popular Center Expansion Paseo Puerta de Tierra Coliseo de Puerto Rico Biblioteca del Tribunal Supremo UPR Law School Building Expansion El Portal Rain Forest Center at El Yunque National Forest
Awards	Fellow of the American Institute of Architects (FAIA), Henry Klumb Award

Segundo Cardona Colom (born in 1950) is a famous Puerto Rican architect and builder. He is known for designing many important buildings and spaces. His amazing work has been recognized by top architecture groups like the American Institute of Architects (AIA). He also received the special Henry Klumb Award in 1992. In 2006, he became a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects, which is a big honor!

Becoming an Architect: Segundo Cardona's Journey

Segundo Cardona went to the School of Architecture at the University of Puerto Rico. He was part of the very first class to graduate from there in 1972. After finishing his studies, he became a design teacher at the same university from 1974 to 1984.

Later, in 1984, he started his own company called Segundo Cardona Architects. He then teamed up with Luis Sierra and Alberto Ferrer to create Sierra Cardona Ferrer. This company is now known as SCF Architects.

Teaching and Leadership in Architecture

Mr. Cardona has always been involved in teaching and helping his community. Besides teaching at the University of Puerto Rico, he has given talks and been a guest professor at many other universities. These include North Carolina State University and The Catholic University of America.

He also led the Puerto Rican Architects Association (CAAPPR) as its president. From 2004 to 2007, he was the President of the Board of Trustees for the University of Puerto Rico. In 2008, a special book was published about his architectural work over 35 years.

Designing for the World

In 2013, Segundo Cardona won a competition to help rebuild the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption, Port-au-Prince, in Haiti. This shows how important his work is around the world. In 2017, he won the Public Space Award at a big architects' meeting in Seoul. This award was for his design of the Paseo Puerta de Tierra. This is a beautiful walkway that connects two popular tourist spots in Puerto Rico.

Amazing Buildings and Projects

Segundo Cardona has designed many different types of buildings and spaces. Here are some of his recent and most important projects.

Recent Projects by Segundo Cardona

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  Universal Insurance, Canóvanas (2013).

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  Library of the Supreme Court of Puerto Rico (2013).

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  BPPR Popular Center Expansion / Phase II, San Juan (2008).

• Paseo Puerta de Tierra, San Juan (2017): A beautiful walkway connecting important areas.
• Library of the Supreme Court of Puerto Rico, San Juan (2011): A key building for legal studies.
• BPPR Popular Center Expansion, San Juan (2011): An important addition to a major bank building.
• Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico School of Architecture, Ponce (2010): Helping to shape future architects.
• Universal Insurance Client Service Branch, Canóvanas (2013) and Bayamón (2018): Modern offices for a large insurance company.
• Urban Hub at BPPR, San Juan (2018): A new urban space.
• Lofthaus, San Juan (2013): A unique building design.

Other Important Projects

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  Casa de la Punta, Dorado, PR (1978) Photo by Max Toro Mattei.

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  Casa de Acero, Río Piedras, PR (1980) Photo by Max Toro Mattei.

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  Casa de Acero, detail. Río Piedras, PR (1980) Photo by Max Toro Mattei.

• Coliseo de Puerto Rico, San Juan (2004): A large and famous arena for concerts and events.
• Tren Urbano Stations, San Juan (2004): He designed several stations for Puerto Rico's urban train system.
• El Portal Rainforest Center at El Yunque National Forest, Río Grande: A visitor center in the famous rainforest.
• Air Traffic Control Tower at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport, Carolina: A crucial building for air travel safety.
• Casa de la Punta (Casa Ferrer), Dorado (1978): A well-known house design.
• Casa de Acero (Casa Cardona), Río Piedras (1980): Another famous house he designed.
• Fundación Luis Muñoz Marín, Trujillo Alto (1987): A foundation dedicated to a former governor.

Awards and Honors for His Work

Segundo Cardona's projects have won many awards over the years. These awards show how much his designs are appreciated for their creativity and quality.

Key Awards and Recognitions

• 2017: Public Space Medal Winner from the International Union of Architects for the Paseo Puerta de Tierra. This award recognized it as a "Friendly and Inclusive Space."
• 2014: Nomination to MCHAP (Mies Crown Hall Americas Prize) for the Puerto Rico Supreme Court Library.
• 2012: First Place in the competition to rebuild the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption, Port-au-Prince, Haiti.
• 2011: Honor Award from the Puerto Rico College of Architects (CAAPPR) for the Library of the Supreme Court of Puerto Rico.
• 2006: Test of Time Award from the AIA Puerto Rico Chapter for the House at Breñas Point. This award is given to buildings that have stood the test of time and remain excellent.
• 2006: First Place in the Cemex Building Award for the Coliseo de Puerto Rico. It also won Third Place in the International Edition!
• 1999: National Architecture Prize for the Centro de Gobierno de Bayamón.
• 1996: Honor Award for El Portal de El Yunque: Centro de Visitantes.
• 1992: Henry Klumb Award from the Colegio de Arquitectos y Arquitectos Paisajistas de Puerto Rico. This is a very high honor in Puerto Rico.
• 1982: Honor Award for the Casa de Acero.

See also

In Spanish: Segundo Cardona para niños

• List of people from Puerto Rico
• List of Puerto Rican architects
• Architecture of Puerto Rico