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Query-7: Final Project: El Palacio de la Moneda
Maria Chang
1. Photos
a. Main façade of La Moneda
b. Exterior courtyard
c. Sala de las Naranjas (interior courtyard)
El Palacio de la Moneda is located between Plaza de la Constitución and Plaza de la
Libertad in the center of Santiago. The building was designed by the Italian architect
Joaquin Toesca and inaugurated in 1805. La Moneda was originally used as a mint, but it
has housed the president’s offices and residence since the middle of the 19th century. In
1973, the building was bombed in a military coup that killed Salvador Allende and
brought Augusto Pinochet to power. The building was restored according Toesca’s
original plans after the attack.
2. Formal symbolic model
LEGEND:
= links function to the form used to fulfill that function
= links form to behaviors observed in the form
a. Main façade of La Moneda
Functions
Forms
Behaviors
Former national mint
Sets of identical windows Building is set apart (in style)
from those surrounding it
President’s offices
Salons/ reception rooms
Government workers passing in
and out
Ministers’ offices
Columns
Carabineros guarding building
National symbol of
Main archway
Honor guards standing on raised
Chilean government
platforms outside main archway
Historic artifact
Chilean flag
Tourists visiting courtyard
- The Chilean flag serves the function of symbolizing Chile and its government.
- The columns, main archway, and honor guards express importance and give the
building dignity.
- It is a historic building in the neoclassical style; the columns and archways employed
visually separate the building from those around it.
b. Exterior courtyard
Functions
Welcome visitors/public
Forms
Small size
Express dignity
Balustrade
Behaviors
Visitors pass through to interior
courtyard
Building and site maintained in
pristine condition
Visitors are orderly and
respectful
Modern art displayed
Safety of
Grates covering windows
president/ministers
Express sense of
Gold detailing
importance
Convey history
Cannon
Historical objects displayed
- The exterior courtyard guides visitors into the larger, interior courtyard; it is small, so
people do not spend much time in this courtyard.
- Gold trim on the top of the building conveys importance and dignity.
- Grates covering windows ensure safety of the officials working in the building.
c. Sala de las Naranjas (interior courtyard)
Functions
Forms
Behaviors
Area for lingering
Greenery
Modern art displayed
Convey order
Courtyard with geometric TV reporters and cameramen
lawns
broadcasting news
Create tranquility
Fountain
Relate to identity of
nationally government
Serve the Chilean citizens
Lamp
Visitors taking photos of
building
Carabineros directing tourists.
Benches
People sitting and talking
Stairs in courtyard
- Reporters were using the courtyard as a backdrop, because it is identified with the
national government.
- The fountain creates a sense of tranquility that invites people to sit on the benches and
talk or rest.
3. El Patrimonio
Faces of the patrimonio construido: La Moneda is the face of Chilean history and
government. It has housed the presidential branch of Chile’s national government since
1846, thirty-six years after its independence from Spain. It is also the site of important
struggles and conflicts in Chilean history. The building is in the neoclassical style that
many of the historic government buildings were designed in. Identity of the Chilean
designers: The architect, Joaquin Toesca, was an Italian, but he was chosen by the king
of Spain to build La Moneda while Chile was still a colony. As a result, the design
represents the Spanish influence in the country and Chile’s colonial roots.
4. Comment
La Moneda is a strong symbol in Chile’s collective mentality. Though it initially only
elicits comments about its architectural beauty, some associate the building with images
of military forces bombing it. There is also a generational difference among those who
relate La Moneda with memories of its destruction. Unlike the older generation, the
younger generation has only seen black and white film footage of the bombing. To them,
the attack seems like something from a movie. As the country’s wounds begin to heal, La
Moneda is also being changed again; the door, which the president used for nonceremonial use and had been boarded shut during Pinochet’s regime, was reopened a few
years ago.
5. Sketch
The sketch of Palacio de la Moneda, which currently houses the offices of the president,
is from a direct view of the main façade which faces Plaza de la Constitución. Joaquin
Toesca designed the building in the neoclassical style. La Moneda showcases a main
archway and tall columns. The main façade is completely symmetrical and the same set
of windows is repeated seven times on each side of the archway. Sketching the building
made me realize just how wide the face of the building is. The width is about four times
as long as the tallest part of the building.
6. Summarize
Plus: - Inviting: The archway in the main façade is open, allowing visitors to enter the
spacious courtyard. The walls are low enough to let in lots of sunlight.
- Calm: The carabineros ensured that no disorderly conduct occurred, while the
fountain added a sense of tranquility. This invited the public to visit and enjoy the
courtyard. There were a few people sitting and enjoying the courtyard during
lunch.
Delta: - Visually repetitive: The same columns, windows, and balustrade are repeated
throughout the building.
7. Personal vignette
The main courtyard of Palacio de la Moneda is open to the public, so I decided to go in
during lunchtime on a weekday. To enter the courtyard, I had to let the carabineros
guarding the main arch check my purse for prohibited items. Visitors were directed to
carabineros of their gender, which was a thoughtful gesture. The carabinera checked my
bag with a metal-detecting wand and waved me inside. However, when I tried to retrieve
my purse, she said, “No.” I then turned to enter the courtyard, thinking that bags had to
be left outside, but again said, “No.” She then handed me my bag and I entered the
courtyard confused about what she had meant. To this moment, I still don’t know why
she said, “No,” and wonder what was lost in miscommunication. This incident can also
serve as a metaphor for my interpretations of this building from a foreigner’s perspective.
8. Architectural critic review
El Palacio de la Moneda is currently used as the offices of the president and
several government ministers. However, the building was constructed as the mint of
Chile. La Moneda was designed by the Italian architect, Joaquin Toesca, who was sent by
the king of Spain. Toesca planned the building in the neoclassical style; unfortunately, he
did not see the completion of La Moneda. Construction began in 1786 but the building
was not inaugurated until 1805, and construction had not yet finished. Over the years, it
has undergone several renovations and restorations. La Moneda is located in downtown
Santiago between Plaza de la Constitución and Plaza de la Libertad and occupies an
entire square block.
The first thing a visitor notices about the building is its width in relation to its
height. The main façade is about three times longer than the height at the tallest point of
the building. This proportion imparts a sense of stability, a condition fitting for the offices
of the national government. Another feature of the design is the regularity of its elements.
La Moneda is very symmetrical and repeats the same set of windows fourteen times in its
main façade, with tall columns separating each set. The only thing breaking the symmetry
was the solitary Chilean flag, on a pole in the center of the building, blowing in the wind.
Though I found this to be visually uninteresting, I spoke with a few Chileans who
admired its simplicity. One related the simple design of the building with the way
Chileans would like their government to be: small and unpretentious. The building does
not aspire to be a grand monument to the president. Instead, the building’s physical
appearance suggests that it is a place where president occurs.
One of the best things about La Moneda has more to do with behavior than form:
the main courtyard is accessible to the public. Any citizen or visitor can enter the
courtyard and possibly glimpse government figures that represent the interests of the
Chilean people. Even if a Chilean doesn’t get to see the president walking through the
courtyard, he or she can admire the modern art sculptures on display. The exhibition of
art is a thoughtful and welcoming gesture to visitors. The openness of La Moneda is
surprising, especially when compared to the White House, which is behind a gate and set
back from the street by a large lawn. Even though Palacio de la Moneda is not a visually
spectacular building, it serves its purpose well. It has housed the president’s offices for
over a century, and gives them a sense of dignity without overexalting their position.
9. Brand
La Moneda creates an impression in the minds of its visitors because of its size and its
historical style. It is located in an important setting in downtown Santiago and is
surrounded by several other government buildings. The site has been unchanged for two
centuries, which imparts a sense of history. The structure includes courtyards, one of
which is accessible to the public. Schoolchildren will most likely remember entering the
archway into a large courtyard and playing around the fountain. Though visitors do not
make use of the building’s services, the government officials use the water, electricity,
and other modernizations that have been added to the building. Space plan applies mostly
to people who work in the building. Skin and stuff are memorable because they give the
building a pristine finish and visually interesting art.
10. Rybzcynski: City
El Palacio de la Moneda fits the pattern of a European city more than the model of a
North American city. The building is very symmetric and geometric; though it does not
suggest grandeur, it symbolically signifies order. La Moneda is also historically
important because it was built during Chile’s colonial era, and it represents its traditional
patrimonio construido. The area surrounding La Moneda is organized in a planned
fashion, unlike many cities of North America.The Plaza de la Constitución, which is in
front of the main façade of La Moneda, opens up a large space in front of the president’s
office and gives the feeling of dignity and importance.
11. Fleissig
Most of the guidelines given in the Smart Scorecard refer to the development of
neighborhoods through housing and transportation, but Fleissig also states that one of the
goals of the Smart Growth policies is “to foster a greater sense of connection,
responsibility, and continuity for citizens with their communities.” In this context, the
preservation of Palacio de la Moneda is important, because the country of Chile is a large
community and La Moneda symbolizes its governance. This building connects Chileans
with their history and also represents responsibility as citizens to their country.
12. Alexander
- Pattern 110 – Main Entrance: A humongous arch is located in the main entrance; it is
the only arch on that face.
- Pattern 115 – Courtyards that live: The main courtyard that is accessible to the public
has a view of the Plaza de la Constitución through the main entry. There are at least four
other doors in the building leading into the courtyard.
- Pattern 205 – Structure follows social spaces: The façade of La Moneda contains
columns repeated at regular intervals.
- Pattern 159 – Light on at least two sides: Many of the rooms in La Moneda can only
have light on one side; due to the design of the building, only the corner rooms can have
light on two sides. This should have been applied to create a more conducive workspace.
- Pattern 55 – Raised walk: The sidewalk in front of the building is at the same level as
the street. This is disconcerting for pedestrians.
- Maria’s pattern 1 – Fountain: A fountain, located in the courtyard of La Moneda
provides a sense of tranquility.
- Maria’s pattern 2 – Width/height proportion: A high ratio of width to height gives a
building a sense of stability.
13. Grounded theory
Field Notes
First round interviews:
What do you think of el Palacio de la Moneda?
Fabia: I think it’s OK, not pretentious. I like the patios. I’m fond of the color: it’s white,
unlike some other buildings that are pink. It’s impressive without being excessive. I like
the symmetry and simplicity of the building. I’m glad it was restored, which they were
able to do because they had Toesca’s original plans.
What do you think of el Palacio de la Moneda?
Store clerk: I think it’s pretty.
Do you like it or not like it?
I don’t think much about it; I don’t have any particular feelings toward it.
What do you think of el Palacio de la Moneda?
It’s a pretty building; they restored it after the military coup. It has many different salons
and patios. President Lagos opened it up to the public; before people weren’t allowed in
the patios. There are many things going on around there, like protests. Protesters often
deliver letters to the building. Every morning they have the changing of the guard.
Second round interview:
What do you think about La Moneda in general?
Professor Fuenzalida: It is appropriate for the government; it is small and classic and it
reflects how the government is. It is on the street; there is no lawn keeping it secluded
away from the road. The public can enter the courtyard and pass through. The openness
of the building reflects how the president is a representative of the people; he has a
mandate from the people and his job is to serve them.
Does it have personal importance?
Professor Fuenzalida: There is a generational difference in the importance of the
building. After the military bombed La Moneda, I went to the site to see. Other people
had also gathered there in silence. To the younger generation, the bombing is something
that they only know through film.
Does it reflect the Chilean identity?
Professor Fuenzalida: A foreign architect was chosen because Chile was a colony of the
Spanish Empire, which had the goal of religious conversion. Toesca was chosen, even
though he was Italian, because he was a Catholic. La Moneda is built in the imperial style
of public classic buildings. The cathedrals are built in a different style, the baroque style.
La Moneda represents continuity and symbolizes the republic. The design reflects
simplicity and clarity. The ex-Congress building is built in another style, like Roman
buildings, and represents a different set of concepts.
Does it pertain to Chileans today?
Are the restorations worth the effort?
Is it important to preserve historic buildings?
Professor Fuenzalida: It is important to preserve buildings because they contain the
memory and history of the society. An interesting question is why the military
dictatorship, and not the democratic governments, was the one to restore historic
buildings.
Coding
1. analytical descriptions of La Moneda
2. favorable emotional response
3. generational difference
4. simplicity as reflection of government
Memo
The subjects chosen for the first round of interviews were a store clerk, my host
mom, and Fabia; they were selected due to convenience. The interview with the store
clerk was about 1 minute, while the other two were 5 minutes long. It was hard to draw
comments out of the store clerk; talking with Fabia and my host mom was easier. None
of the three subjects interviewed had particularly strong feelings towards el Palacio de la
Moneda. This may be because they were all relatively young when the palace was
bombed during the military coup. All three liked the building as a physical structure, and
two commented on the patios. Due to the brevity of the interviews, only a couple themes
emerged and they may not be representative of views of La Moneda in general.
For the second round, I interviewed Professor Fuenzalida for about 30 minutes.
He had already given much thought to buildings and their importance, especially those in
Santiago, and had much to say about La Moneda’s significance. He also had memories of
visiting the site after the military attack, and this left a strong impression on him, unlike
the younger generation that has only seen film footage.