luis aldrete architects: pilgram route shelters

‘pilgram route shelter’ by luis aldrete architects, mexico images courtesy of luis aldrete architects / © albergue estanzuela

mexican studio luis aldrete has completed ‘pilgrim route shelter’, a project that designboom originally reported on when it was still in its conceptual stages. situated along a pilgrimage route that extends 117 kilometers through jalisco, mexico, the design aims to provide temporary shelter to thousands of pilgrims who embark on the mission during holy week each year.

the facade alternates between closed and porous surfaces

the adaptive structures which sit empty for most of the year remain simple in their design, intended as masses that will age and eventually become part of the natural landscape. open, lattice-like surfaces were conceived to accommodate vines and untamed plants that will reach up from the ground and consume the dwelling over time.

approach

constructed out of adobe colored clay bricks – a material prominent in the region – the dwellings are designed as basic and easily manipulated modules that make the project capable of adaptation and growth.

entryways

(left) overall structure (right) interior

interior

view of one of the shelters along the 117 kilometer pilgrimage route

site plan

axonometric drawings