Pelli Clarke & Partners completes Lola Mora Cultural Center in Argentina, the last building designed by César Pelli
The Lola Mora Cultural Center, located in San Salvador de Jujuy, Argentina, has been finalized and was crafted by Pelli Clarke & Partners. This marks the final project of architect César Pelli, who passed away in 2019. The gardens surrounding the center were created by Balmori Associates, under the direction of Diana Balmori until her passing in 2016. Inside, the center showcases six neoclassical sculptures by Argentine artist Lola Mora (who died in 1936), originally commissioned in 1906 for the Argentine National Congress. Facilities include a bridge, an exhibition hall with expansive windows, an interpretation center, a restaurant, a library, a gift shop, and an artist atelier. It operates entirely on energy from wind turbines and solar panels, pursuing LEED Gold certification. Victoria Martínez Fascio describes it as "more than a museum."
Key facts
- The Lola Mora Cultural Center is located in San Salvador de Jujuy, Argentina.
- It was designed by Pelli Clarke & Partners and is the last building designed by César Pelli before his death in 2019.
- Balmori Associates, led by Diana Balmori until her death in 2016, designed the gardens.
- The center showcases six monumental neoclassical sculptures by Lola Mora, carved in Carrara marble.
- The sculptures were originally commissioned for the Palace of the Argentine National Congress in Buenos Aires and relocated to Jujuy in 1921.
- The building's curves emulate the site's topography and hug a grove of trees.
- Visitors access the museum via a bridge spanning a natural ravine.
- The tower houses five wind turbines, and with photovoltaic panels and solar thermal collectors, generates 100% of the center's energy needs.
- The high-performance envelope and mechanical systems reduce energy consumption by 23%.
- Pelli Clarke & Partners is aiming for LEED Gold certification.
Entities
Artists
- César Pelli
- Diana Balmori
- Lola Mora
- Axel Zemborain
- Victoria Martínez Fascio
- Rafael Pelli
- Jason O'Rear
Institutions
- Pelli Clarke & Partners
- Balmori Associates
- Government of the Province of Jujuy
- Dezeen
Locations
- San Salvador de Jujuy
- Argentina
- Andes
- Buenos Aires
- New York City
- United States
- Boston
- Mexico City
- Tokyo