Tlatenchi Cultural Centre | Taller CD

The Culture Centre and Kindergarten (CADI) Tlatenchi are two distinct yet synergistic projects situated in Morelos, México, designed by Taller CD, the multidisciplinar group specialized in urban interventions, mobility and urban image. The projects are part of the same encargo but located on separate sites, commonly referred to as “residual lots”, so Taller CD approaches to public space focusing on generating intersections, concentration, and meaning. Tlatenchi is a community within the municipality of Jojutla in Morelos,México that sets the stage for both projects seamlessly integrated into a housing context. Recognizing their proximity, a design premise prioritized maintaining coherence, despite the absence of a direct physical connection between the Culture Centre and Kindergarten, separated by just a 5-minute walk. This challenge inspired an integration of landscape and structures, achieved through the use of uniform materials in terms of color, layout, and structural solutions. Employing a system of catalan vaults to present both entities as a unified whole.

Reviving the vault - A Contemporary Narrative At the heart of these projects is the contemporary incorporation of the brick vault, showcasing its structural functionality, versatility, and expressiveness in modern architecture. This approach involved revisiting the traditional craft of the master bricklayer in Tlatenchi, where knowledge has been passed down through generations. Implementing the catalan vault system allowed for the covering of expansive spaces without the need for intermediate supports, enhancing air circulation within the structures. Regional Context - materials and safe structures Aware of seismic susceptibility in the Jojutla region, a reinterpretation of vaults aimed at preventing self-construction without adequate structural knowledge was implemented. Exposed load-bearing walls serve as the foundation of the structural system, crafted with extruded brick, while clay brick forms the vaults. This thoughtful approach stems from the tragic events of the 2017 earthquake, emphasizing the importance of informed construction practices. Considering the predominantly hot and humid climate, the architectural design prioritizes materials that regulate thermal conditions. Louvres and openings facilitate cross-ventilation, ensuring temperature control in public buildings that may not have the option of air conditioning. A Vision of coherence and community Considering the natural flows between streets that residents once traversed, the original paths were reintroduced, creating nodal points in each center—a grandstand in the Casa de Cultura and a courtyard in the CADI. The selection of materials, including extruded and clay bricks, extends to courtyards, stairways, and walkways, fostering a seamless visual and functional connection between spaces. These elements collectively contribute to the coherence between the two plots, forming authentic public spaces that encourage genuine citizen participation. The projects transform into environments of encounter and active participation, extending beyond their physical structures. This visionary approach positions Culture Centre and Kindergarten (CADI) Tlatenchi as the central components of an enveloping sphere of community activity.

Team:  Jocelyn Gutiérrez Miranda, Mariana Rodriguez Monroy, Lilian Muciño Juárez, Estephani Flores Vázquez and Alexandra López Arellanos

Lead architect: Alberto Cejudo Nuñez

Photography: Andrés Cedillo