Following outstanding Chapultepec Cultural Center Competition entry that was submitted to us as a collaboration between Onebynine , Jason Easter and Frisly Colop. The entry did not make it among the competition finalists, but we are very happy to publish it here. The proposal is designed to merge the concepts of aesthetics and functionality. It is to become the icon of the city through its subtle yet dynamic form and overall composition. The building is thoughtfully designed as a singular form with material simplicity. It seeks to create a city focal point that adapts to its surrounding context, and establishes itself as the heart of the local community. More details from the architects come after the jump.
Courtesy of Onebynine , Jason Easter and Frisly Colop
Though designed as a singular volume, the building changes in dynamics when viewed at different location. It gives the public glimpses of the activities within the center. The northern façade, cladded with molten cast glass, allows the public to be visually connected to the slow and calm movement of users through the exhibition halls. The translucent characteristic of the material enhances the ambient qualities of the interior. The dynamic southern façade, along with thoughtfully designed parametric openings, corresponds to the 3 dimensional flow of users connected between each level via the circular staircase. The volume is lowered and recessed on the southern end, and as a result opens up the classrooms to the view of the public.
Courtesy of Onebynine , Jason Easter and Frisly Colop
The rooftop above the southern lower block is a garden terrace designed to be used as a pre-function space for the auditorium. The south facing terrace allow users to enjoy views onto the city above surrounding roof and tree tops. The carved out volumes of the concrete block at ground level forms 2 dynamic gateways into the building. The fluidity of the cast concrete surfaces draws the dynamic from the pedestrian walkway into the center. The building sets back at the street corner and creates a covered area for public interaction in front of the buildings’ main entrance. The spatial arrangements inside the building encourage users to explore and experience the diversified activities within the cultural center.
Courtesy of Onebynine , Jason Easter and Frisly Colop
The Cultural Center of Chapultepec is to become a center of poly-functional learning as well as a space where art and culture predominantly co-exist. The ultimate goal of the proposal seeks to provide and educational experience with a cultural twist, nurturing a center for the appreciation and academic enrichment of culture, design, art and architecture.
Courtesy of Onebynine , Jason Easter and Frisly Colop
Project Info :
Project: Chapultec Cultural Center Competition Entry
Architects: Łukasz Wawrzeńczyk, Frisly Colop Morales, Jason Easter, Adrian Yau
Location: Mexico City, Mexico
Client: CoARQ
Area: 3000 sqm
Year: 2013
Ibrahim Abdelhady is an architect, academic, and media entrepreneur with over two decades of experience in architecture and digital publishing. He is the Founder and CEO of Arch2O.com, a leading platform in architectural media, renowned for showcasing innovative projects, student work, and critical discourse in design. Holding dual PhDs in Architecture, Dr. Abdelhady combines academic rigor with industry insight, shaping both future architects and architectural thought. He actively teaches, conducts research, and contributes to the global architecture community through his writing, lectures, and media ventures. His work bridges the gap between practice and academia, pushing the boundaries of how architecture is communicated in the digital age.