(BIM work)
This small-scale cultural center marks the first phase in the development plan of a small school, designed to enhance the performance of both students and teachers. As part of this plan, campus management has placed a strong emphasis on architecture. After thirty years of operation, the campus has expanded through the construction of multiple buildings at various stages and in different environments. This has resulted in a variety of architectural styles and a wide range of materials, causing confusion in usage and failing to fully support educational goals.
This project revitalizes the old library building, preserving two metal containers, the foundations, floors, and surrounding walls. The roof, however, was severely deteriorated and was completely demolished to rebuild from the ground up. After analyzing the onsite materials, mud brick was chosen as the primary exterior material due to its widespread local use.
Due to the constraints imposed by the surrounding buildings and existing sidewalks, maximizing natural light became the top priority in the design. The project makes use of existing resources such as grilles to filter sunlight, open spaces, and full walls as barriers. It also integrates interior and exterior spaces, including a central courtyard at the main entrance and a terrace designed as a reading area.
The interior includes a reading area and library, a multifunctional hall for yoga and Dalcroze music teaching methods, and two rooms dedicated to plastic arts. White is used throughout as the sole background for the colorful books, enhancing the light and creating a simple yet effective atmosphere. The straightforward volume and material choices allow the cultural center to quietly blend with its surroundings while serving as a foundation for future educational buildings, positioning architecture itself as a fundamental teaching tool.
Night View of the Buildings
Project Drawings
▲ First Floor Plan
▲ Roof Plan
▲ Section View
▲ Section View
▲ Section (BIM) Drawing
Project Information
Designer: Doho Constructivo, Iván Marín
Location: Morelia, Michoacán, Mexico
Category: Cultural Center
Area: 230.0 m²
Year: 2018
Photographers: Jose Carlos Macouzet, Eduardo Armenta
Manufacturers: Sherwin-Williams, Terza, CEMEX, Tecno Lite
Must log in before commenting!
Sign Up