external terraces define archivo by FR-EE and zeller & moye

to be constructed at the heart of mexico city, ‘archivo’ is an open archive of design works that also houses a diverse range of cultural programs. the building, designed by zeller & moye in collaboration with FR-EE, offers permanent and temporary exhibition space, educational and communal facilities, social events and commercial use. the scheme is envisioned as development that will attract local residents and first-time visitors, reinvigorating the region and its burgeoning arts scene.

the scheme will house an open archive of design works
all images © zeller & moye and FR-EE

opening up towards the region’s jungle-like greenery, the structure forms a raw exoskeleton consisting of vertical spines and horizontally connecting floor plates. the six-storey design can be navigated through a spiraling circulation route that wraps around the perimeter, linking each level’s various functions. benefiting from mexico’s moderate climate, the programs are partially situated under covered external terraces connected via expansive stairways, creating a continuous area that can be configured for a variety of purposes. these activities constantly animate the elevations of the building, which can be clearly viewed from the adjacent street and park. glazed façades are set back from the slab edge, providing both shade and privacy, with more public functions taking place along the edges of the structure.

the structure forms a raw exoskeleton consisting of vertical spines and horizontally connecting floor plates

internally, the archive will house an exclusive and vast collection of design items, presented in open and accessible galleries. an exhibition about the history and future of mexico city is found at the top floor, which provides skyline views across the city below. adjacent to the 3,000 square meter building, multi-functional spaces for workshops, dance classes and socializing are established, as well as outdoor areas for urban gardening, serving as important destinations for the local community. ‘archivo’ is scheduled to open its doors to the public in 2016.

the programs are partially situated under covered external terraces, connected via expansive stairways

‘we are aiming to create the premier forum for contemporary design in latin america, giving voice to young designers, creating dialogue and awareness about architecture and design in the region. building upon how we approach projects at FR-EE and in archivo’s collaborative spirit, I wanted the new building to be designed in collaboration with other architects to create the ultimate platform and infrastructure around the collection’s activities’, explained fernando romero, founder of FR-EE & archivo.

the archive will house an exclusive and vast collection of design items, presented in open and accessible galleries

‘our design for archivo represents a new building typology in mexico city. the vertically stacked open floors full of life and activity connect the building with its surroundings, thereby challenging the trend for enclosed facades and stimulating an upcoming neighborhood through culture and design,’ said christoph zeller and ingrid moye of zeller & moye.

the building presents expansive views across the city below

external stairways can be configured for a variety of purposes

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project info:

type: open archive of a design collection and spaces for cultural programs
project name: archivo
location: mexico city, mexico
client: archivo diseño y arquitectura
program: permanent & temporary exhibition spaces, library, multi-use space, workshops, commerce and offices
status: in development
area: 3,000 sqm (32,300 sqf)
date: 2013 – 2016

collaborators / consultants
zeller & moye: christoph zeller, ingrid moye, directors / team: omar g. muñoz, marielle rivero
FR-EE: fernando romero, director
estimated cost: USD $ 4,000,000

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