Pasaje Defensa, Buenos Aires, Argentina

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❖Pasaje Defensa, Buenos Aires, Argentina, 2012[open in full screen]

Previous Plaza Dorrego, Buenos Aires

This courtyard is inside a house in San Telmo one of best preserved neighbourhoods in Buenos Aires. It is one of three court yards in the "Casa de Los Ezeyza", house built in 1876 for the very wealthy and influential family of Basque immigrants. It was abandoned in the beginning of 19th century.

Over times used as school for deaf end mute, then for a long time as a "conventillo" for up to 32 poor immigrant families.

Finally in 1981 it was converted to the shopping arcade specialized in antiques. Still to this day it keeps authentic atmosphere but also memo of some secretive past.

Visually and acoustically space is very pleasant and few very good "finds" are possible in the antique store. It is also possible to enjoy nice atmosphere and pleasant shade on the upper level restaurant with fantastic overview of the whole space.

We can imagine how family, originally creating this space for their own usage, was having a vision of a good living.

Pasaje Defensa is wonderful example how historic ambiance can be incorporated and preserved and returned to the public usage.

Next Plaza Suipacha, Buenos Aires

❖..c l a s s i f i c a t i o n ... s y s t e m..❖
more about evaluation method		more about types of squares
sociability	10	ceremonial	x
uses & activities	9	religious	x
access & linkages	7	social	x
comfort	9	residential	x
image	10	courtyard	x
tourist value	10	with park	x
total	55	street, shopping	x