architects mauricio rocha and gabriela carrillo have surrounded this courthouse in mexico with an oval-shaped wall that reaches a maximum height of eight meters. located in pátzcuaro, a large town in the state of michoacán, the secluded structure provides the region with the necessary infrastructure for its criminal court trials, which — owing to recent changes in the justice system — required a completely new set of spaces.

mauricio rocha + gabriela carrillo encircle courthouse in mexico with volcanic stone walls
all images by rafael gamo

 

 

the brief called for a non-hierarchical building that incorporated flexible spaces, capable of adapting to future requirements. in response, mauricio rocha and gabriela carrillo decided to group related programs according to their uses. behind the perimeter wall, which is made from volcanic stone obtained from the site, a series of fluid spaces have been conceived as a succession of gardens. this ‘exposed system’ intends to highlight a sense of openness — expressing transparency, equality, and democracy.

mauricio rocha + gabriela carrillo encircle courthouse in mexico with volcanic stone walls
the oval-shaped wall reaches a maximum height of eight meters

 

 

accessed via gently inclined circulation routes, the single storey structure is divided into four platforms that contain five enclosed pavilions. two courtrooms are included as part of the development, alongside administrative offices and other services. the architects paid close attention to the structure’s materiality, believing that by incorporating locally sourced materials the building would evoke a stronger sense of belonging for the community.

mauricio rocha + gabriela carrillo encircle courthouse in mexico with volcanic stone walls
the building is accessed via gently inclined circulation routes

mauricio rocha + gabriela carrillo encircle courthouse in mexico with volcanic stone walls
locally sourced materials have been used throughout the scheme

mauricio rocha + gabriela carrillo encircle courthouse in mexico with volcanic stone walls
the brief called for a non-hierarchical building that incorporated a range of flexible spaces

mauricio rocha + gabriela carrillo encircle courthouse in mexico with volcanic stone walls
glazing helps provide a sense of openness and transparency

mauricio rocha + gabriela carrillo encircle courthouse in mexico with volcanic stone walls
administrative offices are included in the plan

mauricio rocha + gabriela carrillo encircle courthouse in mexico with volcanic stone walls
two courtrooms are featured as part of the development

mauricio rocha + gabriela carrillo encircle courthouse in mexico with volcanic stone walls
the courthouse is located in pátzcuaro, a large town in the mexican state of michoacán

mauricio rocha + gabriela carrillo encircle courthouse in mexico with volcanic stone walls
a series of fluid spaces have been conceived as a ‘succession of gardens’

mauricio rocha + gabriela carrillo encircle courthouse in mexico with volcanic stone walls
the architects paid close attention to the structure’s materiality

mauricio rocha + gabriela carrillo encircle courthouse in mexico with volcanic stone walls
the single storey structure incorporates a range of different textures and surfaces

mauricio rocha + gabriela carrillo encircle courthouse in mexico with volcanic stone walls
a total of four platforms contain five enclosed pavilions

mauricio rocha + gabriela carrillo encircle courthouse in mexico with volcanic stone walls
the perimeter wall is made from volcanic stone obtained from the site

 

 

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taller mauricio rocha gabriela carrillo criminal courts patzcuaro michoacan mexico designboom
 
taller mauricio rocha gabriela carrillo criminal courts patzcuaro michoacan mexico designboom
 
taller mauricio rocha gabriela carrillo criminal courts patzcuaro michoacan mexico designboom
 
taller mauricio rocha gabriela carrillo criminal courts patzcuaro michoacan mexico designboom
 

 

project info:

 

name: criminal courts for oral trials in pátzcuaro, michoacán
location: pátzcuaro, michoacán de ocampo state, mexico
architectural studio: taller | mauricio rocha + gabriela carrillo
architects: mauricio rocha, gabriela carrillo
project team: daniel huerta, giordana rojas, juan carlos montiel
construction: construcciones electromecánicas industriales S.A de C.V.
structural engineering: grupo sai-gerson huerta.
plumbing installations: ZUMA
special installations: baja net
air conditioning installation: instalación y confort
lighting: DCE (diseño y construcción eléctricas)
furniture design: ricardo casas.
photography: rafael gamo
client: michoacán de ocampo state government
project area: 1,631.70 sqm

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