Holzheu and Holzheu: modern movement protagonists in Guatemala City

Abstract

In the second half of the twentieth century, the development of the Modern Movement was transcendental, the fact was a consequence several factors, highlights the completion of architectural studies by several young Guatemalans in the United States, Europe and Mexico. The production of buildings was characterized in some cases, by the association of professionals with high quality results, which is still perceived in works executed in the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s. The firm Holzheu and Holzheu, founded by Antonio Holzheu and Max Holzheu Stollreiter, was one of the most important offices of that time, essentially for the contributions to the architecture of Guatemala and its ability to form teams of specialists, whose synergy fructified in emblematic buildings. The use of exposed concrete as the main material in several of his executed works is praiseworthy, which was one of his hallmarks with a clear Le Corbusier influence. That is why it is meritorious to make a brief exploration of this firm to exalt some of its main buildings and the actors in the production of these.