Clorindo Testa's Artistic and Architectural Experimentation: Colors and Asymmetrical Plays in Spaces of Worship

Amid questions, reflections, and debates, the work of Clorindo Testa embodies an innate connection between artistic and architectural experimentation, reflected in many of his built projects, sketches, models, and plans. From the Mariano Moreno National Library to the former Bank of London building in Buenos Aires, his production is of such scope, diversity, and complexity that it constitutes a major source of study, one that also includes unbuilt projects that deserve visibility and recognition on a global scale. In his final years of professional activity, two unbuilt projects of religious architecture highlight Testa’s work not only as an architect but also as a visual artist.

Olympic Neighborhood Square / Región Austral

In Comuna 8 of Buenos Aires, the Olympic Neighborhood, a legacy of the 2018 Youth Olympic Games, presented an urban paradox: a modern residential infrastructure that lacked active public spaces. In response to the manifest need of its residents for gathering places, the design of this community square emerges as a direct response, transforming a vacant lot into a catalyst for social activity.

CYCL / YŪ Momoeda Architects

Sauna facility planned for Yamanakako Village, Yamanashi Prefecture. Fuji and the site required approval from the Ministry of the Environment for the client to operate as a national park operator. Three main restrictions were identified as criteria for approval under the Natural Parks Law: rectangular plan, traditional roof shape, and glass area less than half of the entire wall.

Longyou Tourist Center / atelier tao+c

Crossing the Bridge over the Qu River leads to Tingtangxu Village — Adjacent to the riverside road, each household in the village adopts a vernacular house with an irregular front yard. The irregular shape of the yards are usually delineated by the interwoven village paths which were set by generations of neighborly negotiations, as a spatial reflection of the rural social structure.

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Follow Us On