fundamental KEN revives cultural centre in guatemala city

fundamental KEN is a new emerging practice in guatemala city, bringing together international students to participate in a design-built internship program which explores public space regeneration through architecture. this year, the group focused on the centro cultural miguel angel asturias- a neglected green area in guatemala city which contains a park and cultural buildings. they chose this site to create their intervention, called playAchomo, with the goal to initiate a first step towards cultural and civic revival.

at the base of the cultural center, interns of  fundamental KEN constructed a grand entrance and public plaza. an outdoor space is sheltered by a large multicolored canopy, housing new cultural activities and providing a resting place for visitors. streets are finally connected to the cultural center via an experiential colorful path of the playAchomo.

aerial view with the context and national theatre at the back

materials used in playAchomo reflect the temporary and experimental character of the plaza, but most importantly, the contrast between the colored ribbons and surrounding highlights the concept of physical revitalization. gradually, once the space is appropriated by people, civic regeneration would be ensured.

multicolored ribbons completely transform the space

inside the passageway

general view of the playAchomo plaza

perspective view of ‘ribbon path’

performance by street entertainer in the playAchomo

the space under the roof

the plaza with some public furniture

top view of public seating area

meet the fundamental KEN team!

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: lea zeitoun | designboom