Fundadismo

Fundadismo is an that gained some prominence after the Third World War. The style tends to be utilitarian, often, in its use of exposed building materials and components, such as undecorated concrete facades. The term fundadismo derives from fundado and refers to the use of materials in their found or natural state without frill or decoration.

History
Initial fundadismo designs date from around 1940 but the style became more well known later in the decade and after. Ventoran architect Estevo Ferreiro Pereyra coined the term when he described his design for Casa Botella, stating it was to be built using materials in their raw, fundamental form. The private residence was built in 1940-41 for Hidalgo Vítor Betella Coello, a Ventoran noble in Escariche.

Sabella Iria Ferreyra Abreu, another Ventoran, designed the first major fundadismo project after she won the competition for the new Defense Commission headquarters in Ventora. Following the war, the Commission developed a requirement for a new central headquarters for the unified command and control of the Ventoran Armed Forces. Ferreyra’s concept was chosen for its functional design and aesthetic implying a fortress not unlike s of old.

Ta’arohan architect Peteî Hara was a significant advocate of the style. He is known for designing over 65 fundadismo buildings in Salia over his 15 year career. His work is often credited with internationalizing the style.

Characteristics
Fundadismo has evolved to a style that focuses on simple, functional designs with an emphasis on fulfilling their purpose while also complementing their location in shape and materials. Architect Nicolau Barreiras explains the fundadismo school as “not so much about the specifics of style as honoring the aims of the installation through the appropriate selection of components and assembling them with due diligence for longevity and methodical and well-ordered usage.”

Buildings tend to be designed with repeating geometric shapes and often have angular sight lines. Although not always present, most fundadismo buildings have some or all of their structural and mechanical elements visible. For example, air handling ducts, piping, and electrical conduits can often be seen inside fundadismo buildings. Similarly, the exterior concrete, brickwork, and sometimes metal or wood structural members, are left exposed or unfinished in what adherents of the style refer to as the natural, found properties of the materials.

Designers
Ta’arohan architect Peteî Hara is well known for a number of his designs, most of which are in Salia. His designs include office, commercial, and university buildings, among others.

In Ventora, Estevo Ferreiro gets credit for originating the style. He designed predominantly private residences, mostly during the late 1940s and early 1950s, before most nobles in the country reverted to interests in more traditional manor styles. Sabella Ferreyra raised the style to prominence in the country with her design for the Defense Commission. Following that project, fundadismo became a popular style for government buildings in Ventora, although it also enjoys favor in office, commercial, and educational structures.

Reception and criticism
While some critics consider the style as regimented and structured, practitioners stress its adaptability and lack of required features. Proponents claim fundadismo is actually one of the most flexible design schools, citing its variety of materials and ability to fit almost any site.

Builders appreciate the relatively easy construction of fundadismo buildings because of their geometric designs. A number of builders have complained the exposed materials need more careful fabrication to avoid blemishing visible elements of buildings, however.

Some critics consider the fundadismo style as cold, stark, or impersonal. The significant number of fundadismo style government buildings in Ventora has led to them being referred to as built in the “domineering style”.