El Banco del Comercio

Abstract

The research focused on modern architecture in Tunja (Colombia) during the second half of the 20th century, with attention to the work of Architect Engineer Ernesto Muñoz Navarro. This architect was part of the first generation of students in the Engineering-Architecture program at the National University of Colombia and used the principles of modern architecture to contribute to the modernization of Tunja at a crucial time for the country. In addition, he developed his own architectural style and employed innovative building and structural systems for the time (Pinilla Rodríguez, y otros, 2022, pág. 11) .   The research started with the donation made by Muñoz Navarro’s wife of some architectural plans, to the University of Boyacá. The Faculty of Architecture, Design and Urbanism decided to take advantage of this opportunity to carry out research and thus make known the work of this architect. Due to the lack of research and studies on modern architecture in Tunja, this was considered a valuable opportunity to contribute knowledge in this field. This coincided with a concern about the lack of appreciation of the significance of modern architecture in Tunja, and its importance in the historical development of the city. Although the PEMP (Special Plan for the Management and Protection of the Historic Centre of Tunja) has identified the unique value of some modern buildings by granting them a high level of conservation, the population of Tunja considers only the architecture of the colonial period as heritage (Pinilla Rodríguez, y otros, 2022, pág. 11). The book presents four buildings designed by him, describing them and evaluating their heritage value to identify which aspects of the building’s typology and morphology should be preserved during an intervention in order to maintain its architectural value. In addition, there is a need to reflect on the importance of modern architecture and its urgent recognition as heritage, since current urban dynamics ignore its history and meaning, which is causing its deterioration and destruction.