Unusual Architecture + Mexico

Delegazione Cuauhtémoc, Cittá del Messico, Distretto Federale, Messico: [THE PLAZA CONDESA BY MUÑOHIERRO + ESRAWE STUDIO]
Muñohierro + Esrawe Studio

A space conceived to dignify the musical expressions. Taking its inspiration from the time period that gave rise to the building, the 50’s (the transition from modernism to post-modernism), it reclaims the value of functionality and applies it to the present time.

Muñohierro + Esrawe Studio

This project pays homage to music and the cultural expressions which surround it. The building’s new purpose and its architecture project its own comprehensive language.

Muñohierro + Esrawe Studio

The existing structure is a multipurpose event hall with 6 levels, a mezzanine and basement. Presently the ground floor has a lobby area, bar, coat room, kitchen, storage rooms, restrooms, and a stage with its backstage dressing rooms and bathrooms.

Muñohierro + Esrawe Studio

The other levels house offices, more storage rooms and restrooms, and multiple halls. Our participation begins at the building’s outdoor lobby access, by creating three different levels on the façade– from ticket sales, reception to elevators, and souvenir shop – directly into two corridors which lead to the building’s entrance.

Muñohierro + Esrawe Studio

The finishes chosen are what dress the entire project, setting a rhythm on the walls with wood wainscoting, which starts on the exterior and travels all the way through the events forum.

Muñohierro + Esrawe Studio

Beyond the main doors is the Lobby, the building’s vestibule with a niche on either side displaying art objects, one of these niches doubles as the coat-check counter.

Muñohierro + Esrawe Studio

The wainscoting is interrupted by the creation of two thresholds which conduct to the diverse vertical passageways already in place inside the building. The interior Access lobby has a two story ceiling which was conserved and incorporated with panels.

Muñohierro + Esrawe Studio

Such panels reduce the height in the first access, thus creating a waiting area with two snack and beverage counters covered in Venetian mosaic tile, this transition in form and materials makes them easily identifiable.

Muñohierro + Esrawe Studio
Muñohierro + Esrawe Studio
Muñohierro + Esrawe Studio
Muñohierro + Esrawe Studio

Location: Mexico City, Mexico Architects: Muñohierro + Esrawe Studio Project Direction: Jorge Bracho Project coordination: Joaquin Cevallos Project Leader: Nancy Ocampo Project Team: Gerardo Ramírez, Omar Cortés, David Herrera, Ian Castillo, Didier López, Andrés García, Cynthia Cárdenas Art Concept: Antonio Muñohierro + Francisco Fernandez “El Taka”, Iván Krassoievitch, Ximena Labra Art Production: Juan Camara, Mariana Fernandez, Polo Castellanos Project Area: 55,972.33 sq ft Year: 2011 Photo: Paúl Rivera