metallic roof shapes triangular folds atop a|911's cultural infrastructure in mexico city

PILARES Quetzalcóatl acts as a free educational community space

Architectural studio a|911 designs PILARES Quetzalcóatl, situated in the Iztapalapa borough, addressing social and environmental challenges through strategic urban initiatives. As part of the PILARES project initiated by the government of Mexico City, the primary objective is to establish community spaces, offering free educational and cultural infrastructure to marginalized areas. Focused on restoring the social and urban fabric at the neighborhood level, the project specifically targets the Desarrollo Urbano Quetzalcóatl neighborhood, addressing historical challenges through deliberate actions. The design approach begins with repurposing a disused plot to create an efficient building accommodating diverse programs while adhering to material constraints and budgetary limitations.

all images by Sandra Pereznieto

metal structure composes two blocks housing workshops

The project is organized into two differently scaled blocks housing classrooms, workshops, and services, set on a triangular footprint with a landscaped courtyard. A metal structure articulates the buildings, providing flexibility and horizontal communication. The larger northern building features a roof with irregular triangular planes, offering dynamic spatial quality, while the smaller southern building integrates a tower framing the entrance. The facades incorporate two horizontal strips of materials, a low brick perimeter wall followed by sheet metal covering on structural frames with interspersed windows, establishing a semi-industrial character. Studio a|911’s design approach fosters a dialogue with the urban surroundings, encouraging community engagement and ownership of the project.

a|911 designs PILARES Quetzalcóatl in Iztapalapa, addressing social and environmental challenges strategically

the initiative establishes community spaces with free educational and cultural infrastructure in marginalized areas

the design repurposes a disused plot efficiently, accommodating diverse programs

two differently scaled blocks with classrooms, workshops, and services are organized on a triangular plot

a roof with irregular triangular planes offers dynamic spatial quality

facades incorporate a low brick perimeter wall and sheet metal covering on structural frames

the smaller southern building integrates a tower, framing a distinctive entrance point

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the main blocks house classrooms, workshops, and services arranged in a flexible layout

the project focuses on restoring the social and urban fabric of Quetzalcóatl neighborhood

model by Paola Solares

ground floor plan

sections

project info:

name: PILARES Quetzalcóatl
architect: a|911 | @arq911

lead architects: Saidee Springall & José Castillo

collaborators: Iván Cervantes, Facundo Savid, Gerardo Hernández, Valerio López

landscape: Janisse Cruz, Anahí Toriz

structure: Ing. Oscar Trejo

MEP: Ing. Gilberto Jocirin

model: Paola Solares

location: Mexico City

photography: Sandra Pereznieto | @spereznieto

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom