ANALYSIS OF THE USE OF VEGETATION IN AN EARLY 20TH-CENTURY BUILDING. THE CASE OF MEPRA OUTDOOR SPACES

Abstract

This paper analyzes the use of vegetation in outdoor spaces of the Argentine Regional Pathology Study Mission (Misión de Estudios de Patología Regional Argentina, MEPRA), built in the city of San Salvador de Jujuy at the beginning of the 20th century. This period was characterized by abundant architectural production when the construction of public buildings, whose designs considered green spaces integrally with environmental and ornamental purposes, was highlighted.

Over time on the MEPRA, new buildings were built without considering in their design outdoor spaces as the first ones did. Environmental problems that could be reduced with the use of vegetation are observed in these areas.

Nowadays, the worrying situation caused by climate change, which in the last two centuries of human activity has become drastic, added to the oil crises and the current Russia-Ukraine war, forces us to reflect on the conscious use of vegetation by looking back and analyzing its use in other architectural periods, especially afforestation as a complement to architecture, to approach a new paradigm: sustainable architecture.

Observing the behaviour of afforestation concerning environmental, ornamental and psychological aspects will allow us to understand how it influences comfort conditions in buildings and how its proper use can contribute to energy savings and, therefore, to face the climate crisis.