client MEXTRÓPOLI Pavilion - The Festival of Architecture and City
status Competition proposal
description El Jardín de la Reconstrucción is a symbol and a prediction of Mexico’s cityscape throughout the rebuilding of the devastated areas affected by last year earthquake, that will take place in the following years. The exterior view is a harsh metal cube build entirely out of scaffolding. Typically used as support, El Jardín uses this material as a structure of its own. Shaped to the similarity of traditional Mexican textile and folk art patterns, it brings familiarity to this impersonal object, while, at the same time, pointing out the importance of maintaining traditional values in fast (re)construction during the development of destroyed areas. As the visitor enters the structure he walks ups a flight of stairs leading to a viewing platform. There he finds a hidden garden, revealing that, this aggressive element, is a symbol for something beautiful, the reconstruction of ruins, the rebirth of cities. Here he has time and distance to experience the space, the garden and its surroundings. The next step of the journey is descending to the garden. Consisting of plants originary of Chiapas, Puebla, Morelos and Mexico City, it reminds the visitor of the precious things these regions have that can never be taken away and are worth preserving. It is a space of contemplation and appreciation. Entirely made of scaffolding standard pieces and native plants, the pavilion is completely reusable and reassembable, producing virtually no waste.
