Organized by the City of Florida, together with the Departmental Bicentennial Commission and the Uruguayan Society of Architects (SAU), the competition focused on the renovation of the Historic Site where the Florida Assembly met 200 years ago.
The awards ceremony was held at the SAU headquarters, where the winning projects and honorable mentionswere announced.
Contest Winners
The competition, in which 18 teams participated, recognized proposals that succeeded in balance historical heritage, urban functionality, and accessibility at an iconic site in the nation’s history.
In this regard, the contest was part of the celebrations of the bicentennial of Uruguay’s Declaration of Independence, with the aim of redesigning the site where the Assembly of La Florida convened on August 25, 1825.
According to the contest rules, the projects had to meet the following requirements:
- Urban integration: A safe connection between Plaza Asamblea and its surroundings.
- Universal accessibility: Inclusive design for people with limited mobility.
- Heritage preservation: Preserving the site’s historical value.
- Environmental sustainability: Use of low-impact materials and techniques.
Among the winning projects, special mention was given to honorable mention awarded to the proposal submitted under the pseudonym Tokio, a project that included the participation of Architect Clara María Torres, a graduate of the Landscape Design Technician program at Universidad ORT Uruguay.
This recognition highlights not only the quality of the design but also the high standard of preparation and training that the program provides to its students.
Learn about the Landscape Technician program
Awards and Recognitions
The jury, composed of leading professionals in the fields of architecture and urban planning, determined that the final results of the competition were as follows:
- First Prize: Pseudonym Muro, submitted by the team consisting of architects Luis Santillán, Luis Ardache, Ana Fernández, Ana Clara Gómez, Lucía Paso, Mauricio Núñez, and Carlos Escocería.
- Second Prize: Pseudonym Odela, from the team composed of architects Santiago Hernández, Mariana Cecilio, Diego Arrigoni, Gabriel Cabrera, and Fernando Llambí.
- Third Prize: Pseudonym Fibonachi, submitted by the team of architects Maximiliano García, Federico Mirabal, Martín Ciani, Aleka Ramírez, Franco Tomaduz, Rafael Rinaldi, Sofía Marrero, Fausto Britos, and Gonzalo Álvez.
In addition to the main prizes, a Honorable Mention to the entry Tokyo, submitted by architects Antonio Fabio Boggia, Andrés Javier Cabrera, and Andrea Laborda, along with architect Clara María Torres, who graduated with a degree in landscape architecture from ORT in April 2024.
This project stands out for its innovative approach and its ability to blend contemporary elements with the site’s rich history—an essential component for any project at a location of such significance.
- You might also be interested in reading: “What does a landscape architect do?”
Tokyo and its significance
The project that received an honorable mention stands out for the way in which it connects the site’s historical memory with the current needs of the residents of the city of Florida.
The proposal by Torres and his team reflects the importance of sustainability and accessibility in the design of public spaces, seeking to create a place that not only respects the environment but also enhances it.
In addition, the honorable mention highlights the quality and professionalism of the graduates of the Landscape Design Technician program at Universidad ORT Uruguay, an institution that trains its students to tackle challenges like these, always with a multidisciplinary approach.
- You can also read: “Urban landscaping and gardening: the art of restoring nature’s beauty”
An exhibition open to the public
As part of the recognition of all participants, the winning and honorable mention entries are on display at the SAU headquarters in Montevideo, where they will be open to the public over the next few days.
This exhibition will provide a detailed look at the projects, as well as an understanding of the creative process and research behind each proposal.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9GcwVcSvJ74
At the same time, the event serves as a platform to highlight the talent of the professionals who participated in the competition and, in particular, the contribution of graduates from ORT’s Landscape Design Technician program.
If you're interested in pursuing a career in such a dynamic and challenging field, we invite you to learn more about the Landscape Design Technician program at the School of Architecture at Universidad ORT Uruguay.