the anapra neighborhood in the city of juarez, mexico, is rich in textures and exposed materials — where the built environment visually portrays its people’s creativity through their unique construction systemsin that case, jorge urias studio has been commissioned the design of a low-cost commercial concrete structure with an open floor plan that could be redistributed as needed. 

jorge-urias-studio-anapra-mexico-designboom-02
the concrete structure resonates with the site’s unique architecture and character
all images © rafael gamo

 

 

given the brief, jorge urias studio has opted for an exposed concrete that would resonate with the site. the mass material emerges from the ground and is carved with a bold pattern resembling the outlines of hidden potentialities within settlers and their surroundings. in other word, the raw finishing of the tilt-up concrete panels inherits the dynamic activities and informalities found in the neighborhood, ultimately creating an unprecedented structure which mirrors the qualities on site.

jorge urias studio's carved concrete structure portrays local dynamics in juarez, mexico
front view of the façade

jorge urias studio's carved concrete structure portrays local dynamics in juarez, mexico
the recessed patterns show a constant play of light throughout the day

jorge urias studio's carved concrete structure portrays local dynamics in juarez, mexico
dust clouds are common in the desertic city of juarez mexico

jorge urias studio's carved concrete structure portrays local dynamics in juarez, mexico
the building resembles a carved concrete box 

jorge urias studio's carved concrete structure portrays local dynamics in juarez, mexico
a neighbourhood market takes place on the weekends, next to the architecture

jorge urias studio's carved concrete structure portrays local dynamics in juarez, mexico
detail of carved concrete pattern 

jorge urias studio's carved concrete structure portrays local dynamics in juarez, mexico
the raw finishing of the tilt-up concrete panels inherits the dynamic informalities found in the neighborhood

jorge urias studio's carved concrete structure portrays local dynamics in juarez, mexico
recessed openings help protect from desert sun

jorge urias studio's carved concrete structure portrays local dynamics in juarez, mexico
weekend market panoramic view

jorge urias studio's carved concrete structure portrays local dynamics in juarez, mexico
recessed pattern and lighting details 

jorge urias studio's carved concrete structure portrays local dynamics in juarez, mexico
corner detail 

jorge urias studio's carved concrete structure portrays local dynamics in juarez, mexico
construction process 

 

 

project info:

 

project name: anapra

location: ciudad juarez, mexico

architect: jorge urias studio

structural: ECUSA and el paso concrete systems

design team: jorge urias, alberto carrillo, alberto duarte, hugo santana

gross floor area: 300 sq.m.

completion: 2016

 

 

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

 

edited by: lea zeitoun | designboom