client
fideicomiso cooperamos

desing team
ariel rodas

engineers
hernan alarcón ruiz & associates

contractor
luis_vicente flores + ariel rodas

…………………….
published >
Praxis, journal of writing & building [ElModulón,#2Vol.1]>2001
Enlace, arquitectura y diseño [ElModulón,RexoBar.#5]>2000

…………………….
awards >
Bienal de Arquitectura de Buenos Aires >1st prize / 2002

el modulon_community center prototype / mexico city > competition prize
Set with a very restricted budget, the program combined a covered multi-use space with nine compartments for community service.
The building is a prototype with variations that can be reproduced in different locations within Mexico City. It is basically a perforated box that can accommodates the program requirements. This particular site calls for a three-façade building. On three sides the volume presents uniform planes of concrete masonry units laid sideways with the cavity facing out. The visible joints between blocks are suppressed in order to create a lattice structure permeable to light and air. The fourth side of the building is a blind wall that rests against an existing structure. The compartments are independent from the exterior wall and receive natural light through glass skylights. In contrast with the rigid geometry of the outside walls, the roof is an expressive structure of curved steel beams that respond to the plan layout.
This architecture is compatible with local conditions and budget, due to the use of prefab low-technology components