Centro Cultural Miguel Ángel Asturias Image via destig.com

With the launch of Archinect's Brutal coffee, we hit our second destination in this two part feature. Heading over three thousand miles North-West of Brazil, we explore Guatemala and its Brutalist movement.

Guatemala and its relationship with these monolithic structures are tied with the culture and artistic identity of the area. Pulling from its Mayan roots, these prominent structures scattered throughout the region use the Brutalist movement to accompany the historical architecture already present in the city. The artistic presence within the country is a blend of rich folklore and the interlacing of various architectural movements. Highly influential architects such as Roberto Aycinena, José Montes Córdova, Raúl Minondo, and Efraín Recinos, among others, have created a legacy influencing Guatemalan architecture to this day.

Guatemala and its architectural timeline are heavily influenced by the legacy of the Mayans and the presence of the Spanish colonial period. Various churches, covenants, and public buildings such as The Antigua Cathedral and Casa Santo Domingo are merely a few examples of the architectural influence the Spanish empire had on Guatemala. However, within the country's built landscape, we find examples of Brutalist buildings which aim at blending the presence of the modern movement with Guatemala's rich historic roots. The architecture present throughout the country are indicative of the powers that once ruled over the land. Despite natural forces like earthquakes and invading groups, the architectural landscape of Guatemala can be viewed as a historical map of the country's resilience and structural progression over time.  

One of the most recognized Brutalist themed buildings is the Bank of Guatemala. Designed by architects José Montes Córdova and Raúl Minondo, the iconic bank stands within the heart of the city's civic center. In collaboration with Guatemalan artists Dagoberto Vásquez Castañeda and Roberto González Goyri, the design highlights its Mayan heritage through the decorative East and West facing façades. Standing at 40 meters high, the concrete structure, in its materiality, reflects the Brutalist movement and its emphasis on a utilitarian design approach, but also slightly combats the movement due to the unique details of its façade. The beautiful design expresses an ornate subtlety which pays homage to the artistic importance Guatemalan culture has had on its urban landscape.

The Bank of Guatemala is an example of the country's aesthetic nationality. As a nation that has experienced colonialism, like many countries before it, the architecture throughout its urban landscape is a direct reflection of the people and their endurance to preserve their cultural heritage and power. The architects that were tasked with designing the structure were constructing a building that would become a symbol for the country. Similarly, with other public architecture located in the city's Civic Center, these monumental buildings became symbolic beacons for the city politically and architecturally. 

Another iconic building that presents Brutalist elements is the Centro Cultural Miguel Ángel Asturias, also known as the Teatro Nacional. Designed and completed by architect Efraín Recinos in 1978, the cultural center stands out from the surrounding structures not only because of its monolithic presence and materiality, but for its form. It is said that the building was designed to emulate a seated jaguar, an animal of much importance in the Guatemalan culture. A contemporary architect, sculptor, painter, and urbanist Efraín Recinos designed the massive white structure upon a hill, pulling inspiration from traditional Mayan motifs. 

The transition of power within the country allowed for an array of aesthetic expressions present within the architectural landscape. The transition between the Spanish colonial style and the modern Brutalist movement enabled the architects involved in Guatemala's city history to blend building anthropology with the ethical and aesthetic style of Brutalism.