Ostentation-concealment intertwining

Some considerations on urban landscaping shaping, 1900-1950

Abstract

Throughout the last century Rosario grew in a virulent way. It did so inserting building contributions on a labile base of urban widening which shaped a checkerboard extended in successive waves reaching the horizon. Within this frame, the initial nucleus of the town was enhanced setting up a new centre. It was held as a privileged space for social, economic, political and collective-representation activities. Private housing was developed around it. The survival of certain features makes it possible to appreciate the process. In a small area, a group of rent buildings which were pioneers in height shows their individual struggle for standing out within a cluster of urban institutional headquarters. Many complexes of low-rise housing were developed both inside the nucleus and in its "perimeter ring". Those in charge of this development –just as the rest of construction companies- aimed at making profits through housing construction but all of them did so giving raise to meaningful ventures. The main goal of this article is to show the roles played by rent buildings which were pioneers in height and complexes of low-rise housing in the ostentation- concealment intertwining that became one of the key identifying manifestations of the city.