Eduardo Calvo

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Integrating the Past: Contemporary Projects that Preserve Preexisting Façades

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.

The Rustic Beauty of the Chukum in Modern Mexican Architecture

The Rustic Beauty of the Chukum in Modern Mexican Architecture - More Images+ 34

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.

Casa Vagantes / Arista Cero + Gina Góngora

Casa Vagantes / Arista Cero + Gina Góngora - More Images+ 23

  • Area Area of this architecture project Area:  70
  • Year Completion year of this architecture project Year:  2020
  • Manufacturers Brands with products used in this architecture project
    Manufacturers:  Boxito, Cemex, Comex, Lumínica, MIRAGE, +3

Tribu Apartments / Arista Cero

Tribu Apartments / Arista Cero - More Images+ 28

  • Architects: Arista Cero
  • Area Area of this architecture project Area:  1450
  • Year Completion year of this architecture project Year:  2019
  • Manufacturers Brands with products used in this architecture project
    Manufacturers:  AutoDesk, ALUMINICA, MEGA

Salvatierra 150 Building / P11 ARQUITECTOS

Salvatierra 150 Building / P11 ARQUITECTOS - More Images+ 19

Merida, Mexico
  • Architects: P11 ARQUITECTOS
  • Area Area of this architecture project Area:  1130
  • Year Completion year of this architecture project Year:  2017
  • Manufacturers Brands with products used in this architecture project
    Manufacturers:  Chukum, Haus design center, Lumínica