Ciudad Universitaria de Caracas

The Ciudad Universitaria de Caracas (University of Caracas) is an outstanding example of the Modern Movement in architecture.

The University campus was constructed between 1945 and the 1960’s (contemporary with Brasilia). The Venezuelan architect Carlos Raúl Villanueva (1900-1975) was its principal creator. He used the latest avant-garde ideas in architecture (Modern Movement), in combination with spatial elements from Venezuelan colonial architecture.

In total there are nine groups or zones of buildings. Reinforced concrete was used for sun breakers and covered pedestrian passages. The complex also includes masterpieces of visual arts, like the ‘Clouds’ of Alexander Calder.


Year Decision Comments
2000 Inscribed Reasons for inscription

Reviews

Joseph Colletti (USA):
I visited the site in August 2009.

The non-architect may wonder at first what all the fuss is about but as you stroll along the concrete covered passageways and look around the vision of the architect slowly emerges. Whether or not you like the style, there is a cohension and obvious "stamp" of an individual on the buildings and landscape without any quality of boring sameness or jarring differences in style or architectural "interactions." That is what the inscription as a heritage site appears to celebrate.

I was surprised at how the use of concrete takes into account, for the most part, the tropical setting with open spaces, covered arcades, access to natural light and lines and curves that often blunt the heaviness one might associate with concrete.

There were buildings that needed repair, some more than others, and broken windows, leaks and cracks in some of the structures but the overall neglect the previous publisher noted seems to have been addressed in some cases. Some of the buildings, especially the student residences looked like government housing projects or cheap "garden apartments" while others, such as the cafeteria were truly unique in their design and use of space. Unfortunately the college was not in session and it was not possible to get a look inside some of the more intriguing structures such as the concert hall or to get a feel for how humans interact with the architectural space.

Depending on how interested you are in architecture an hour or so should be sufficient for a visit and it can be a welcome respite from the noise, heat and traffic jams of downtown Caracas.

The campus is easily accessible by the metro Ciudad Universitaria stop and is a great way to get around the city quickly and cheaply. (The fare was about 20 cents.)
Date posted: September 2009
Maria Andrade (VENEZUELA):
When you look at all the wonderful pictures in the web pages you might feel a bit dissapointed upon arriving to la Ciudad Universitaria de Caracas, but not because of it's magnificence, because it is magnificent, but due to the lack of appropiate maintanence. Most of gardens or green areas have been totaly abandoned and the halls are dirty and littered with pamphlets anouncing diverse activities. Even so, it ia amazing to imagine what this might have looked like fifty years ago and how it still is a monument to take your breath away. Acoustics in the Aula Magna has been recently rated one of the best in the world, something I did not know. With a little lovin' care, I am sure the Ciudad Universitaria could regain its original splendor.
 


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