On April 13, the course "History of Public Parks" began at the School of Architecture, taught by Architect Gonzalo Secco Rodríguez, a tenured professor of construction at the school. The 14-week course is held on Tuesdays from 2:30 to 3:45 p.m. It examines the evolution of parks and green spaces from the Renaissance through the 19th century, and their connection to the evolution of architecture and the arts in Europe and the Río de la Plata region.
Topics include: historical background, styles, the arts, the history of French public parks, Paris in the mid-19th century, medicine in the 19th century, social aspects, the Río de la Plata region in the mid-19th century, parks in the Río de la Plata region, philosophical and religious aspects, laws and land use in Uruguay, and plant species in Montevideo’s parks.
Architect Secco Rodríguez is the founder of the construction firm Secco Rodríguez & Asociados. He served as National Director of Architecture for the Municipality of Montevideo (2004–2005) and as Vice President of the Association of Private Construction Developers of Uruguay (1997–2001). He received the 5th International Construction Trophy in 1993, awarded by Editorial Office and the Trade Leaders’ Club tothe construction firm Secco Rodríguez & Asociados.