Operating in urban environments often requires us to make decisions regarding pre-existing structures. The increase in city density has directly impacted the availability of space for developing new and independent constructions, sparking debates about what stance to take toward built heritage that has become obsolete—either due to deterioration or because it no longer meets the functional needs of the contemporary population. In cases where buildings have seriously deteriorated or new projects differ greatly from the spatial possibilities an old building can offer, preserving only the façade—as an exterior envelope, almost like a superficial element—can be seen as a partial solution that allows for the preservation, in part, of the urban character of a structure if it holds some public or cultural value. The controversy arises, certainly, from the lack of relationship or connection between the transformed interior and the preserved exterior.
Integrating the Past: Contemporary Projects that Preserve Preexisting Façades
https://www.archdaily.com/1020188/integrating-the-past-contemporary-projects-that-preserve-preexisting-facadesBelén Maiztegui
The Rustic Beauty of the Chukum in Modern Mexican Architecture
![The Rustic Beauty of the Chukum in Modern Mexican Architecture - Featured Image](https://snoopy.archdaily.com/images/archdaily/media/images/5f42/cdf9/b357/65ba/0000/0272/slideshow/leo_espinosa_3.jpg?1598213617&format=webp&width=640&height=429)
In Yucatan, architects are reviving an ancient Mayan stucco technique for contemporary buildings, merging modern architecture with regional history and culture. The technique is called “chukum,” a term derived from the colloquial name for the Havardia albicans tree native to Mexico. Made with chukum tree bark, the material has several defining qualities that separate it from traditional stucco, including impermeable properties and a natural earthy color. Though chukum initially fell out of use following Spanish conquest of the Maya civilization, it was rediscovered and reemployed by Salvador Reyes Rios of the architecture firm Reyes Rios + Larrain Arquitectos in the late 1990’s, initiating a resurgence of use in the area.
https://www.archdaily.com/946291/the-rustic-beauty-of-the-chukum-in-modern-mexican-architectureLilly Cao
Casa Vagantes / Arista Cero + Gina Góngora
![Casa Vagantes / Arista Cero + Gina Góngora - Exterior Photography, Restoration, Door](https://snoopy.archdaily.com/images/archdaily/media/images/5e39/c4ef/3312/fda8/5e00/00bb/slideshow/_fi.jpg?1580844247&format=webp&width=640&height=429)
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Architects: Arista Cero, Gina Góngora
- Area: 70 m²
- Year: 2020
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Manufacturers: Boxito, Cemex, Comex, Lumínica, MIRAGE, +3
https://www.archdaily.com/933589/casa-vagantes-arista-cero-plus-gina-gongoraPilar Caballero
Tribu Apartments / Arista Cero
![Tribu Apartments / Arista Cero - Exterior Photography, Apartments, Garden](https://snoopy.archdaily.com/images/archdaily/media/images/5e30/f944/3312/fd18/8a00/00c4/slideshow/TRIBU_TULUM-6.jpg?1580267783&format=webp&width=640&height=429)
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Architects: Arista Cero
- Area: 1450 m²
- Year: 2019
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Manufacturers: AutoDesk, ALUMINICA, MEGA
https://www.archdaily.com/933154/tribu-apartments-arista-ceroAndreas Luco
Salvatierra 150 Building / P11 ARQUITECTOS
![Salvatierra 150 Building / P11 ARQUITECTOS - Housing](https://snoopy.archdaily.com/images/archdaily/media/images/59cd/0ec3/b22e/38e6/6d00/0170/slideshow/02.jpg?1506610864&format=webp&width=640&height=429)
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Architects: P11 ARQUITECTOS
- Area: 1130 m²
- Year: 2017
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Manufacturers: Chukum, Haus design center, Lumínica
https://www.archdaily.com/880603/salvatierra-150-building-p11-arquitectosDaniel Tapia