mobile walls divide manos cafeteras in mexico to create a transformable space

estudio zero created a design for manos cafeteras, a cafeteria that promotes inclusion and social cohesion through a space dedicated to the development of young people and adults with different abilities in querétaro, mexico. it is part of an institution called manos capaces that provides a work environment that is pedagogical and safe, with psychological attention, to provide people with special needs a happy and dignified life.

images by ariadna polo

estudio zero decided to convert the 200m2 premises into a multipurpose space that could be transformed into both a workspace and a communal space. the area includes different programs proposed by the organization and a palette of low-cost donated materials. the designers proposed a series of mobile walls to divide the space and act as furniture and physical barriers as well as to further expand the program.

the space can transform from being a cafeteria to individual rooms, coworking areas, workshop rooms taught by the organization, exhibition and sale areas of the material and products produced by the organization, and even individual positions in different events or bazaars. using architecture as a tool applied to social responsibility, resulting in a space that combines the relationship of stone materials with the versatility of mobile partitions with a single intention: inclusion.

project info:

name: manos cafeteras

designers: estudio zero or arturo hernández mendoza and jonas martinez

location: querétaro, mexico

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: yasmina karam | designboom