Year: 2016
Competition: Arquine_Mextropoli 2016
Where: Mexico City, Mexico
Team: Federico Caserta, Francesco Casini, Fiamma Ficcadenti, Germana Musco
What: Urban Pavillion
FINALIST PROJECT
Mexico City faces many problems; some of them, although, can be considered as a propulsive starting point:
– The social aspect of art and culture is an established value in Mexican society. Elitist operations, destined for a privileged minority are highly criticized by the whole population and often vandalized.
– Despite the lack of integration between the different ethnic groups is still strong, Mexicans are curious, lively and open-minded.
– Mexico City has severe problems with the waste system. Architecture should do its part.
The pavilion was conceived as a place where everyone is on the same footing. It represents the city as a public, colored, chaotic circus, full of extraordinary events and ordinary situations; a place that can be lived freely, in which actors and
spectators can switch their roles and understand each other.
The Mex-Circus pavilion has a free-standing structure and it is mostly made of waste materials. It has not a main entrance but it encourages the free movement of visitors and it is defined and embraced by the roofing, made of chains and ropes. The furniture is made of plastic crates that come from Mexico City’s markets. This system allows a flexible use of the space since different situations can be arranged as needed. Architecture rises from its own ashes, creating new affordable and functional spaces. In this way the pavilion can be more attractive because the visitors can see it changing and can be involved in the city’s show, perceiving it as their own.
