riestra, arnaud & werz renovate mid-century OMR art gallery building in mexico city

architects riestra, arnaud & werz have completed their relocation of the OMR art gallery in mexico city. a mid century brutalist building has become the gallery’s new home. the move saw the complete renovation of the building, including a one storey vertical new-build extension in order to accommodate complimentary back of house functions.

a mid century brutalist building, the renovation also included a one storey vertical new build extension
all images © rory gardiner

a collaboration between architects mateo riestra, josé arnaud bello & max von werz for OMR art gallery, the renovation is defined by raw, unfinished materials and is awash with natural light. existing interior details were toned down to expose the natural charm of the building, and structural wall linings were applied to the interior to support the hanging of substantial artworks within the new space. the rear facade of the building is opened by multi-storey factory style glass windows with a striking red frame, providing views onto the rear garden courtyard and bar. 

the renovation is defined by raw, unfinished materials and is awash with natural light

unadorned concrete surfaces are tonally complimented by a muted palette, while high ceilings with an industrial and unfinished presentation and exposed structural components pay homage to the buildings brutalist roots. an unpretentious cantilevered stairwell provides access from one floor to the next, and along with the generous glass face of the gallery, delivers an attractive view into the rear courtyard. 

the facade of the building is opened by multi-storey factory style glass windows with a striking red frame

the top floor vertical extension was constructed by thickening the rear courtyard wall. the addition plays home to a multipurpose workshop space, offices, art storage, kitchen, and meeting room — all arranged around a central library space. the gallery’s administrative offices share the airy, voluminous design of the exhibition spaces, and have access to a cement balcony and outdoor seating area. this terrace is adjoined to the rooftop area by a lateral staircase, and can be used during social events or as preparatory space for exhibitions.

rather than installing a fixed goods lift that would have called for yet another extension, the building has an openable section capable of accommodating large-form artworks that can then be transported to higher levels via a mobile lifting platform. 

the gallery spaces are awash with natural light

the design also includes a library space — for the relaxed perusal of books

the library space includes an integrated cosy, for some light reading after a visit to the gallery

the rear courtyard

factory style windows are outlined in a frame of striking red

the administrative offices have access to a cement balcony and seating area

the renovation was for OMR art gallery in mexico city

drawings

project info:

architectural project: mateo riestra, josé arnaud-bello & max von werz
team: javier moctezuma & oriam morales
built surface area: 455 sqm
construction: cantilever
structural engineering: ricardo camacho / decsa
service engineering: taller 2m
photography: rory gardiner
location: calle cordoba 100, colonia roma norte, 06700 mexico city
date: february 2016

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