On Wednesday, September 25, 2024, the School of Architecture at Universidad ORT Uruguay its 25 years of academic excellence and commitment to society at a moving event held on the second floor of Carrasco International Airport.
Graduates, faculty, colleagues, friends, and family members gathered in large numbers to celebrate a quarter-century dedicated to training innovative professionals and leaders in the field of architecture in Uruguay and around the world.
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The renowned actress and comedian Manuela da Silveira served as the evening’s host, bringing her charisma and good humor to liven up the event. Through anecdotes and memories, she highlighted how the arrival of the Architecture program in 1999 transformed the university’s dynamics, bringing freshness and creativity to student spaces.
“Architecture is part of the journey, part of the career. It’s a choice that brings together both sides of the brain,” said Manuela, highlighting the versatility and passion of architects.
A look back at 25 years of achievements and excellence
One of the highlights of the evening was the speech given by architect Gastón Boero, dean and one of the founders of the School of Architecture at Universidad ORT Uruguay in Universidad ORT Uruguay.
Boero gave an emotional overview of the milestones achieved over the past quarter-century, recalling the initial challenges and how the vision of training professionals through a well-rounded, practice-oriented education has been successfully realized.
“When we announced in 1999 that we were venturing into the field of architecture, we faced criticism, anger, and dismissal. But we were convinced that Uruguay needed a new professional profile, a new educational approach,” Boero said. The dean highlighted how, over the years, the school has successfully adapted to technological advances and the changing needs of society.
Among the most significant achievements, Boero highlighted:
- International accreditations: The architecture program has been accredited three times (2009, 2016, and 2022) by the ARCU-SURsystem, reflecting the faculty’s ongoing commitment to academic excellence and educational quality.
- Innovation and flagship projects: Victory in the 2015 Solar Decathlon Latin America and the Caribbean international competition with La Casa Uruguaya, a self-sustaining housing project designed and built by students, graduates, and faculty. This achievement demonstrated the institution’s ability to combine innovative design and sustainability, establishing it as a leader in the international architectural scene.
- Comprehensive education and high employability: With a 96% employment rate among its graduates, the school is renowned for producing highly skilled professionals. Starting in their first semester, students are immersed in real-world projects and site visits, giving them a significant advantage in the competitive job market.
- International partnerships and dual degree programs: The school has established agreements with prestigious universities around the world, such as the recent dual degree program with the Pontifical Catholic University of Minas Gerais in Brazil. These partnerships enrich the educational experience and open doors to a broader and more diverse job market.
- Commitment to the community: Through outreach and social responsibility projects, the faculty uses architecture as a tool for social transformation, actively participating in initiatives that have a positive impact on Uruguayan society.
Acknowledgments and emotional reunions
The celebration included a heartfelt ceremony honoring the faculty members who have been cornerstones of the school since its founding.
Architects Paula Kramer and Graziella Blengio, the current and former academic secretaries, respectively, presented plaques of recognition to the faculty members in honor of their 25 years of service:
- Marcel Perchman
- Rubén García Miranda
- Emilio Nisivoccia
- Gastón Boero
- Jorge Di Pólito
- Ramiro Chaer
- Roberto Monteagudo
- Federico Bervejillo
- Carlos Roda
- Octavio Bombaci
- Ileana Lemus
- Daniel Benech
- Pablo Raviolo
- Tania Assanelli
These faculty members have made a significant contribution to the institution’s growth and reputation, training generations of architects with passion and excellence.
In addition, the ambassadors for each graduating class—chosen by their peers for their leadership and commitment to the academic community—were recognized.
Architects Gastón Boero, Jorge Di Pólito—former academic coordinator of ORT’s architecture program—and Andrea Castro, the program’s current coordinator, presented these awards. The honorees were:
- Class of 1999: Rodrigo Zambrano
- Class of 2000: Ignacio Gallinal
- Class of 2001: María Mercedes de León
- Class of 2002: Carla Nóbile
- Class of 2003: Gabriela Raggio
- Class of 2004: Gonzalo García
- Class of 2005: Guillermo Lockhart
- Class of 2006: Soledad Estellano
- Class of 2007: Valeria Rohrer
- Class of 2008: Valentina Martínez
- Class of 2009: Camila Meschino
- Class of 2010: Bruno Pedreira
- Class of 2011: Agustina Holly
- Class of 2012: Lautaro Martínez
- Class of 2013: Federico Astigarraga
- Class of 2014: Matías Viera
- Class of 2015: Juan Noya
- Class of 2016: Sofía Ferrando
- Class of 2017: Juan Diego Bauzán
- Class of 2018: Iair Laufer
- Class of 2019: Sofía Costa
This event brought together people from different generations, allowing them to share memories and strengthen the bonds that unite the faculty’s extended family.
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Amid hugs and smiles, the architecture graduates expressed their joy at reuniting with classmates and professors, reminiscing about stories and experiences that marked their time at the university.
A promising future, a renewed commitment
In his inspiring speech, Gastón Boero reflected:
Over the years, our school has become a beacon of knowledge, innovation, and creativity in the field of architecture. And in this journey, every member of our academic community has played a vital role.
Boero invited everyone to continue building the future of architecture in Uruguay together. “Let’s raise a toast to continuing our journey, to achieving further successes, and, above all, to writing new chapters in this exciting open book that is the world of architecture,” he concluded enthusiastically.
The evening ended on a joyful and satisfying note. Attendees said they had thoroughly enjoyed the event, praising the flawless organization and the emotional moments they shared. It was an evening filled with smiles, stories, and reunions that left everyone feeling heartened and looking forward to the future.
25 years making a difference
As it celebrates its 25th anniversary, the School of Architecture at Universidad ORT Uruguay its commitment to training of top-tier professionals, constant innovation , and making a positive contribution to society.
The school offers a comprehensive program that combines design, theory, and technology, with this approach applied from the very first semester through both classroom instruction and hands-on fieldwork. Its highly qualified faculty, who are actively involved in the industry, expose students to the latest trends and practices in the field.
With an employment rate of 96% for its graduates, the school stands out for its comprehensive education, which enables graduates to successfully enter the job market. In addition, numerous international partnerships enrich the educational experience, fostering a global mindset among students.
The institution demonstrates its commitment to the community through outreach projects and social responsibility programs, using architecture as a tool for social transformation and the well-being of society.
Looking to the future with excitement and determination
With numerous international partnerships, an exceptionally high employment rate, and graduates leading innovative projects around the world, the Faculty of Architecture at Universidad ORT Uruguay to be a leader in training architects who truly make a difference.
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We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has been part of this journey: students, faculty, staff, alumni, and their families. Your dedication and support have been essential to reaching this milestone.
Here’s to many more years of growth, innovation, and shared success!