he CPCE building's functional structure is simple and straight forwarded, not only for its open plan resolution -where furniture and a few glazed partitions define the different spaces maximizing flexibility -, but also for the basic geometry of its containing box.

A main longitudinal axis -sunlit from the top of the full height Entrance Hall- extends parallel to Libertador Avenue from the street corner –as reminiscent of the traditional city- to the vertical circulation core, which in term, connects to the Auditorium/multipurpose space on the upper level.

A secondary axis -perpendicular to the main hall- but not less important, connects all the service spaces on both levels, while functioning as fire exit. On the lower floor, it extends from the alternative entrance –allowing for an independent use of the Auditorium/multipurpose hall- to the large patio where the barbecue area and a parking space are located.

The functional plan lies on a subjacent grid which defines two areas: one for specific uses, and the other for services -located adjacent to the south boundary wall. The same organizational scheme was repeated on the upper level. In both cases, area definitions were stressed by the differential treatment of their dividing walls: on the ground floor the wall was faced with dark tinted cedar wood, while on the upper level it was materialized with ‘U-glass'. The high wall at the main entrance atrium was finished with reddish wood ‘Prodema' panels.

Vehicular access to the parking area and patio was provided from Iturraspe Street : an off-shutter concrete wall defines the space and provides visual separation and protection from the street heavy activity.

The building's three elevations are strongly differentiated from each other. They are the result of the internal space characters, context conditions, and geographic orientation: the main façade -which faces West-, is the least permeable to sunlight yet maintaining views to the important adjacent avenue. The building's skin gets more permeable to daylight and views at its northern face and it's fully glazed to the East.

The project was built adopting a mixed construction system which combines metal columns and beams with reinforced concrete slabs. The need for large open spaces suggested the use of full-span slabs supported only at its perimeters by slender metal columns. The building skin was designed by combining tinted glazed façades and ‘Eternit Swisspearl' ventilated walls.

CPCE
Professional Council of Economic Sciences of the Province of Cordoba – San Francisco Chapter

LOCATION: Corner of Libertador Av & Iturraspe St. – San Francisco , Cba. Argentina
DATES: Awarded Competition First Prize: August 2004
Construction start: January 2005
Inauguration: November 2006
PROGRAM: Offices on ground floor and 190 seat Auditorium on first floor - 600 m2
BUDGET: US $ 387,000
ARCHITECTS: Oscar Ariztimuño, Roberto Benito and Carlos Costamagna
ENGINEERS: Aníbal Manzelli & Asociados – Buenos Aires
CONTRACTOR: Sicon SRL
STRUCTURE: reinforced concrete slabs with steel beams and columns
FINISHES: Swisspearl fibrocement ventilated walls and glass