Larivière Foundation of Latin American Photography
A Mission-tailored New Headquarters
The Lariviere Foundation of Latin American Photography houses the historical collection of photographs and photography books by Jean Louis Lariviere. An existing set of buildings was renovated as their new headquarters, accommodating the idiosyncratic programming, mission and operations of the Foundation.
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Client: Fundación Larivière Fotografía Latinoamericana
Location: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Year: 2022
Status: Completed
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Lead Architect: Machado Silvetti
Associate Architect: Estudio Clusellas + Ades
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Diez, Fernando. “FUNDACIÓN LARIVIÈRE .” Summa+. REVISTA 197. March, 2023.
Contextually Responsive Façade
Located in the traditional neighborhood of La Boca in Buenos Aires, the building sits between load-bearing party walls and is organized in strict bilateral symmetry, following the longitudinal direction that favors the main axis and reinforces the depth of this urban plot.
The façade of the Foundation’s main space echoes the unique building traditions of the La Boca neighborhood, where most buildings are sided with corrugated metal sheets, by using as a single material a perforated and corrugated high performance metallic siding for the entire surface, including sliding screens for windows and main door.
Programmatic Elements
The Foundation’s programmatic elements are developed around the collection vault—a state of the art conservation storage space, built in reinforced concrete and the only new structural element. All spaces are under a shared large continuous roof that rests on the existing party walls.
On the second floor there is a multipurpose room facing the street, and a work and reference library space overlooking the expansive exhibition area, while on the entrance level on the ground there is a small lobby and bookstore.
Phase 2
Later in the project, an adjoining building was acquired and remodeled to expand the program activities in a large, triple height flexible space to support more informal exhibits of the Foundation and large social events, opening to the street on important occasions. It also includes a workshop and dark room facilities for artists. The building retains the basis of its previously existing façade, painted a single color.
