Architects: P-A-T-T-E-R-N-S & Maxi Spina Location: Rosario, Argentina Principals: Marcelo Spina and Georgina Huljich (P-A-T-T-E-R-N-S), Maxi Spina (msa) Project Team: Rick Michod, Nathaniel Moore and Giuliana Haro, Assistants (P-A-T-T-E-R-N-S) Structural Engineer: Orengo & Associates Construction Company: D.R.S. Construcciones S.A. Project Management: Maxi Spina (msa) and Marcelo Spina (P-A-T-T-E-R-N-S) Project Area: 1,350 sqm Project Year: 2007-2011 Photographs: Courtesy of P-A-T-T-E-R-N-S & Maxi Spina
The vertical apartment building, or so-called PH [which stands for the Spanish phrase “propiedad horizontal,” or horizontal property in English, and is the proper nomenclature for the vertical housing building] is maybe the most intellectually underestimated architectural program in Argentina, an uncanny combination of both economical speculation driven by private developers and construction companies, and the constraints of an over-subdivided urban grid that provides very narrows plots for actual interventions. A major percentage of the city has been and continues to be built according to this typology that celebrates homogeneity and monotony.”
