Past Watch Site

Among the more than 90 buildings that comprise the Central University of Venezuela, the building of the Faculty of Architecture and Urbanism (FAU) remains the most successful, significant, and emblematic work of modernity, architecture, and technology. Designed by Carlos Raul Villanueva, an important modern architect, the complex was constructed during the 1950s and spans over 400 acres of former farmland on the outskirts of Caracas. The university complex was designated a World Heritage Site in 2000 in recognition of its coherent realization of the urban, architectural, and artistic ideals of the early 20th century. Throughout the campus, sculptures, murals, and paintings by avant-garde artists such as Arp, Calder, and Otero can be found.

The FAU building was constructed in 1957 employing the academic theories and principles of Bauhaus espoused by Villanueva. Within the rectangular, nine-story structure, large, pragmatic, multiuse public spaces are distinguished by changes of scale and level, separating the exhibition hall, library, cafeterias, auditorium, and studios. Minimal ornamentation covers the building’s façade, save for cement projections lining the windows, the architectural mosaics, and the colorful mural by Alejandro Otero.

After over 50 years of intensive use, the university needs assistance implementing a campaign to ensure the preservation of this important element in the campus ensemble and to prompt the comprehensive conservation of this important university landscape.