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
