The Municipality of Valle Viejo and the Ministry of Housing and Urbanization of the Province of Catamarca, alongside the Catamarca Association of Architects (UAC), launched the "Regional Ideas Competition for the Revitalization of the Historic Center of Valle Viejo in Catamarca." Home to the department's main institutions, the historic center is organized around General San Martín Square, which is framed by the San Isidro Labrador Parish, the Valle Viejo City Council, and the Gobernador José Cubas School.
Aiming to safeguard cultural heritage through the preservation of and respect for historic public buildings, the Regional Ideas Competition sought to promote an innovative, ephemeral lighting project capable of highlighting key architectural and narrative features. The initiative also focuses on revitalizing urban spaces to foster a stronger connection between residents and their environment, encouraging community interaction with the updated public areas and strengthening a sense of local identity and belonging.
Additionally, the project aims to boost cultural tourism, implement sustainable and energy-efficient lighting technologies, raise awareness of architectural and cultural heritage, and reinforce urban identity. Read on to learn more about the winning project.
First Prize
Architect's description. At the heart of the Valle Viejo department, the town of San Isidro has stood since 1668 as a repository of memories. During colonial times, it flourished as a beacon amidst vast estates, with its irrigation canals (acequias) acting as vital arteries that wove together life and agricultural wealth.
Time, the skilled sculptor of evolution, has shaped the landscape of San Isidro. The main square features majestic landmarks, such as the San Isidro Labrador Church and the Normal School, standing as witnesses to its history. Yet, it is within the acequias where the nostalgia of times past truly beats. There, in 1905, José—owner of the La Giralda confectionery—added sidewalks and pergolas, where memories of laughter and dancing still linger.
This setting, an enduring gathering point once connected by the first tramway to cross the Valle River, is a silent witness to cultural encounters and legacies. Today, these historic canals run underground, with one exception. Emerging as a pathway of exposed brick arches framed by pergolas blooming with bougainvillea (Santa Ritas), this remaining canal pays tribute to the history and culture of San Isidro, serving as a beacon that guides memories while lighting up the present.
The project's objective focuses on understanding and preserving San Isidro's urban landscape through an integrated lighting design, focusing on architectural and landscape conservation while honoring the town's history. It aims to pay tribute to both residents and visitors. Furthermore, it seeks to strengthen local identity by using lighting design to highlight key historic spaces: the lost canals, the routes traced by the historic tramway, and the paths of local processions and festivities. The proposal is divided into two scales of intervention:
Luminous Urban Landscape. The proposal features a continuous, sculptural light installation that runs through San Isidro, highlighting its urban landmarks. Made of circular metal tubes illuminated with LED technology, this ribbon-like element references the water of the ancient irrigation canals that once traversed the town. Additionally, it connects visually with the majolica tiles of the San Isidro Labrador Church, symbolizing a central gathering point and the culmination of the path. By addressing the past through contemporary design, the project seeks to evoke local memories, inspiring residents to engage with the initiative by enhancing their own facades and gardens.
Architecture Narrated by Light. This phase focuses on recognizing, preserving, and valuing the built cultural heritage, specifically the San Isidro Labrador Church. The building stands out for its architectural significance as well as its sentimental value tied to local faith and community life. To achieve this, the proposal features scenographic lighting that makes the church visible from across the city, highlighting its domes and blue majolica tiles. Surrounding structures, including the schools and the City Council, will be lit harmoniously to complement the pathway and emphasize the church's presence, establishing a subtle rhythm that adapts to both everyday life and festive occasions.
This article was written by Agustina Iñiguez. The translation is powered by AI.
