Alberto Linner: Torre Jenaro Valverde MarÃn, Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS) , 1976D–1980
- San José, Costa Rica, Show on map
- #GOV #Precast #Public #MachineAesthetics #Latin America
-
For the administration of the Costa-Rican social insurance system Alberto Linner designed a high-rise that vaguely recalls the metabolist Yamanashi Press and Broadcasting Center by Kenzo Tange. Despite the highly irregular facade design, with each side treated differently, it proved possible to build it relatively quickly by using prefabricated sections.
-
In use. The building is mentioned in numerous architecture feeds/guides and in local architecture reports as an important example of Brutalism in Costa Rica, but it is not listed as a historic monument. The CCSS tender and investment documents for 2024–2025 mention projects relating to the Torre Jenaro Valverde MarÃn regarding restoration/renovation of the façades, electrical redistribution, and readjustment. This suggests that the institution is currently investing in the preservation and adaptation of the building. However, we do not know whether the brutalist appearance of the architecture is to be retained (last updated on December 3, 2025).