The Modern Architecture movement (1928-1959) influenced the American continent in the decade of the 1920s and it became popular thanks to the lowering of construction costs in the developing countries of Latin America. Panama, being one of these countries, chose this style despite the rejection by society. One of the greatest works and great example of this movement in Panama is the University of Panama Campus Octavio Méndez Pereira, located in the Bella Vista district. It is part of a large set of modernist buildings of the 20th century in Panama City. Its history dates back to 1946, when the idea of the university campus was conceived, being inaugurated in 1950 with four buildings (The Library, The Faculty of Humanities, The Faculty of Sciences and The Faculty of Engineering and Architecture) which were designed by Panamanian architects Ricardo J. Bermúdez, Guillermo De Roux and Octavio Méndez Guardia.

This article examines the Architecture of the Modern Movement, its arrival to Latin America and Panama, using the University of Panama Campus Doctor Octavio Méndez Pereira as a source of information and an example of the development of the movement in this city. The objective is to put in value and make known this type of architecture, in which foreign elements gradually adapted to the Latin American and Panamanian environment. Furthermore, this article reflects on the changes that, due to daily use, lack of maintenance and low budget, have altered these buildings