Lab Mobile, Many of the urban limits of Bogota, Colombia, are typical examples of informal/ self-built environments. Constructed in stages, these environments have multiple social conditions that create a diverse range of phenomena. First, citizens in a state of homelessness invade the land and build the first structures with found materials. As these settlements become permanent residences, a basic urban grid is loosely defined. As the city densifies, government aid is present, but the reclamation of public space is increasingly difficult, underscoring a chronic issue within these environments.
© alsar atelier
In response, alongside the Colombian Society of Architects, Alsar Atelier investigated how design could increase the awareness of public space and communal urbanity in this self-built context. ‘A Mobile Lab’ is a modular infrastructure that helps the citizens, of the self-built urbanity, understand the importance of public space by taking over urban voids within their neighborhoods and transforming them into spaces for communal use. The structure is inspired by the informal vernacular, using repurposed materials as a main composition element. Steel tripods, arranged in a triangular form, form the frame, while recycled blue Polisombra (construction debris mesh) drapes between these supports. The Polisombra is anchored using gallon water jugs. All three materials are painted blue to unify the composition and visually contrast the surrounding urban environment, embellishing the ordinary and creating a purposeful design aesthetic. All of the materials are recycled.
© alsar atelier
Ephemerality is crucial to the success of ‘A Mobile Lab’, which is designed to be easily assembled by two people in under three hours. The tripods bolt together in a simple joint, and the Polisombra is stretched between them, which determines the size of the structure. Therefore, it is adaptable to a wide range of urban environments, from a soccer field to a compact urban setting. Originating from the COVID-19 pandemic, Alsar Atelier, led by Alejandro Saldarriaga Rubio, utilizes the methodology of magical realism and ephemerality to design solutions in response to chronic emergencies. ‘A Mobile Lab’ stands within a lineage of architecture that inspires introspection, social awareness, and political critique. In any city, not just El Paraiso, where the residents build their environment, nurturing an awareness of the importance of public spaces can help guide the city toward a more connected and social future.
Project Info
Architects: alsar atelier, Northeastern School of Architecture, SCA
Country: Colombia, Bogotá
Area: 125 m²
Year: 2023
Photographs:alsar atelier
Model: Elizabeth Guerrero
Drawings: Scarlett Hanks
Texts: Django Keyes
Madeline Brooks is a Projects Editor at Arch2O, where she has been shaping and refining architectural content since March 2024. With over a decade of experience in editorial work, she has curated, revised, and published an array of projects covering architecture, urbanism, and public space design. A graduate of the Harvard University Graduate School of Design, Madeline brings a strong academic foundation and a discerning editorial eye to each piece she oversees. Since joining Arch2O, she has played a pivotal role in shaping the platform’s editorial direction, with a focus on sustainability, social relevance, and cutting-edge design. Madeline excels at translating complex architectural ideas into clear, engaging stories that resonate with both industry professionals and general readers. She works closely with architects, designers, and global contributors to ensure every project is presented with clarity, depth, and compelling visual narrative. Her editorial leadership continues to elevate Arch2O’s role in global architectural dialogue.