Pilares Priani

PILARES (for its acronym in Spanish) are neighbourhood hubs that provide social, educational, and cultural infrastructure to residents of Mexico City

Designed as collaboration between Mexican offices PRODUCTORA and Palma, the 2-story and 440 m² structure takes advantage of the physical characteristics of the lot. The introduction of a perfectly level upper floor creates a stark contrast with our site’s sloping topography. While the lower level digs into the ground, the upper level consists of a dynamic composition of blue boxes with diverse proportions and apertures, creating the required variety of interior spatial qualities.

The studio designed a sturdy framework with generous floor heights that could be adapted over time. The lower-level digs into the ground. It is open and transparent and includes covered outdoor areas where neighbours can shelter from the rain or sun, even when the building is closed. The upper level is cladded with industrial insulated panels rendered in blue textured stucco: a rough application with a DYI feel that expresses the hands-on attitude of the workshops.