Sunday, January 30, 2011

Puerto Madero

Unlike everywhere else in Buenos Aires, there isn't much historically significant or lasting in Barrio Puerto Madero. This area is sparkling, shiny, and as modern as it gets. Fact is, this area of town has existed since the beginnings of the city, but fell into decay and neglect since the waterways were too shallow for most commercial port activity. But all of that changed less than 15 years ago. From wikipedia: "In the 1990s, local and foreign investment led to a massive regeneration effort, recycling and refurbishing the warehouses into elegant homes, offices, lofts, private universities, luxurious hotels and restaurants for this new district in a city that grew up turning its back to the river. Today one of the trendiest boroughs in Buenos Aires, it has become the preferred address for growing numbers of young professionals and retirees, alike. Puerto Madero currently represents the largest urban renewal project in the city of Buenos Aires. Having undergone an impressive revival in merely a decade, it is one of the most successful recent waterfront renewal projects in the world."









The most striking feature of Puerto Madero is the Puente de la Mujer, or Women's Bridge, designed by renown architect Santiago Calatrava. "Calatrava is said to have requested examples of Argentina's typical music upon receiving this commission. As a result, the bridge is abstractly meant to illustrate a couple dancing Tango, the man towering over the woman who is leaning back horizontally. This, along with the fact that the surrounding neighborhood has streets primarily named after women accounts for the name of the bridge." (Source)

(Did you know California has its own Calatrava bridge? It's true! The Sundial Bridge in Redding, of all places.)







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