The sober neoclassical building, akin to Wright’s Unity Temple (1906), has four articulated columns that respect purity of form. Guinand Sandoz designed the Propatria urban development, the first urban experience where the concept of neighborhood unit was introduced in Caracas, and he built this work there. Erected by the Banco Obrero during General López Contreras’ government, it was closely linked to the urban concept of the Propatria workers’ urban development and was a banner for the beginning of social, political, economic, sanitary and educational reforms, inherited from Gómez’ government, very much in tune with the European postulates of Welfare State or Sozialstaat of the time. The building is conceived as an education and recreation center, with symmetrical composition, following the classical and Art Deco features of many public buildings designed by Guinand. It has strong volumetric accents and marked axiality. Its horizontality contrasts with the
verticality of the four columns at the entrance. The roofs are finished with perimeter cornices and the openings in the façade are framed. Its program integrated a gym, changing rooms, recreation area, library, conference room and an ample multiple use space. The house, declared a Caracas cultural heritage, was a pioneer in trade union, political, cultural and sports education. Today it is a center for people’s participation.