We are excited to announce that on September 30th the amazing young architects Iarid Hernández y Giulia Padovani who were part of this year´s program will be telling us all about the project they were an active part of. It will be an open conversation, with the participation of the host studio, and the Dr.Arch Julio Gaeta.
ZOOM MEETING AT 17HS (México)
The old cement factory of Marmol de Salcido is a reflection of how ageing affects human-forgotten places. An inimical industrial land, abandonment let wildlife re-claim it with verve. People can give ruin new meaning, coexisting with the past, treating nature with respect, learning through experience.
Marmol is a small community, born to exploit limestone banks. Its industrial potential and proximity to train trails led to the creation of a cement factory. In the 80´s, not being lucrative anymore, it closes, leaving the population without their biggest source of work, provoking massive migration and a declining economy. Today, it lives between ruins and memories from its heyday, echoed in the old plant.
At 2km from the Pacific Ocean, it is located in a RAMSAR area (protected Wetlands), near Verde Camacho beach, a turtle nesting place. Due to Quelite river flow, lagoons are refuge to many endangered species. North of town, protected Cacaxtla plateau has abundant deciduous jungles home to unique ecosystems. Artisanal fishing, agroecology and ecotourism are new development goals.
C_MX focuses on a complex territory, requiring the resignification of the factory. Thinking about the future is vital. Therefore, it will be in line with the Sustainable Development Goals of the ONU for 2030.
There are two main courses of action. Reconditioning the structure of the old buildings to become an Environmental Research Centre, implementing technology and the adequate infrastructure. And thinking about how the project will contribute to the progress of the town.
The macro project aims for organic fluidity of the urban fabric. Diverse levels and scales will help mobility and circulation, with topographic relations to current and future town enclaves. A porous city, with a ground level continued beyond the industrial lands, letting nature run free in a controlled, harmonic way through public and private areas. Architecture will return to the community, social perspective and historical traces will develop a sense of belonging in the residents.
Buildings´ program will have working and recreational areas, a conference room, research facilities, a local market, the reactivation of the train station and lodging facilities. All efficient and self-sufficient. Preexisting constructions will be preserved and adapted, unless collapsing risk. A parallel project, a sustainable village for retired scientists and researchers, will be set nearby. A life mission, connected with the activities of the research center. New users transmitting their knowledge, helping to reimagine Marmol’s identity.
New ways of thinking about community, with a symbiotic bond in which the environment is considered humans´ extension, are needed. Integration and interaction are key. Life is made of layers, a net in constant growth and movement. Creating the scenario for its success is essential.
Project done in partnership with Adpprentice, a program for recent architecture graduates. Iarid Hernández & Giulia Padovani joined LEAP´s design team, gaining professional experience working under tutoring from the heads of the studio, from concept to final presentation.