ivan marin + doho build mexico's morelos cultural center entirely in brick

studio ivan marin arquitectura + doho constructivo present the cultural center at centro educativo de morelia in morelia, mexico on the site of a former school library — for the benefit of both students and teachers. during the design process, the team presented schoolchildren with the questions: ‘how did they imagine the cultural center? what elements would they like to include in order to enjoy it more?’ the resulting brickwork geometry of the cultural center is comprised of a reading area and a library, a multi-purpose room for the practice of yoga and dalcroze, and two visual arts rooms, where luminosity is enhanced through the sole use of white to improve upon the colorful palette of the books.

all images courtesy of ivan marin arquitectura + doho constructivo

while the site is closely surrounded the existing structures and walkways, ivan marin arquitectura + doho constructivo aimed to enhance penetration of natural light to the interiors. the team employs such strategies as lattice windows clad with solar panels, open courtyard spaces, and a focus on integrating the exterior with the interior as can be seen in the central patio in the main entrance hall and the reading platform. the minimal geometry of the overall volume together with the scarce use of materials makes it possible for the building to humbly adapt to its surroundings while it serves as the cornerstone for the future educational complex.

the studio selected the primary materials for the project after an analysis of the adjacent pre-existing buildings and those materials with which they had been made. the team ultimately made sole use of clay bricks, a very common local material. the structure was built by recycling two metal containers, the foundations, floor, and the perimeter walls of the original library. the existing roof was found to be in an advanced state of decay and was completely disassembled and re-engineered from scratch.