organic roofs top green hillocks in mexico city forest to form zero-waste pavilions

Garden and Scenic Pavilion by Michan Architecture and PARABASE

Michan Architecture and PARABASE’s design is the winning proposal for the Garden and Scenic Pavilion competition in Mexico City. With an eye on sustainability, the design team conceived a project made without generating waste, while respecting the pre-existing trees. To achieve this ambition, they made the most of the site’s own resources and its topography. By digging up strategically the areas free of trees and relocating the soil, they generated a landscape of low hills and ponds.

With minimal gestures, they sought to convert these natural elements into architecture. Performative roofs rest on top of the artificially-made hillocks outlining the contour of the pavilions. Their organic shape blends with the uneven topography, acting as a symbol of the area. Thus, free of structural elements, such as columns and beams, but only with the use of glazing and metal frames, the designs are gently intertwined with nature.

all renders by Jorge Yáñez Barranco

integrating architecture into nature

The program, designed by Michan Architecture and PARABASE, is divided into three pavilions situated close to each other. Each, with its unique, organic shape, develops a harmonious dialogue with nature, blurring the line between in and out. The auxiliary program of the pavilions is crammed into the hills, ensuring the functionality of the Pavilions without interrupting the beautiful scene. The generous amount of glazing that embraces the structures endows the interiors with charming backdrops of the lush surroundings. 

‘The three Pavilions generate life beyond their spaces, relating to the Jardín Escénico, multiplying its possibilities of use, generating unexpected programs and contributing to the civic and cultural discourse of Mexico City.’

The proposal aims to attract the members of the community and serves as a cultural hub in the city’s heart. The rest of the hill formations that are not used in the construction favor multiple outdoor activities, inviting young and old visitors to interact with the dunes, climb, rest, and enjoy the beautiful vistas. At the same time, this intricate topography of hills and ponds allows acoustic and visual protection in the areas that require it, facilitating the management of the water resources of the site, and enhancing the place’s biodiversity.

organic roofs rest on green mounds to create pavilions

the hillocks double as an interactive tool that invites young and old to participate

each pavilion introduces a spacious interior space

the program is split into three pavilions

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project info:

name: Garden and Scenic Pavilion

architects: Michan Architecture, PARABASE

design team: Isaac Michan Daniel (Michan Architecture), Carla Ferrando Costansa, Pablo Garrido Arnaiz (PARABASE)
landscape: tonatiuh Martínez, Alejandra Aguirre (Taller de Paisaje Entorno)
structural engineer: Armando Merida (Structecnia)
theater consultancy: Itzel Alba (diseñOteatral), Jules Lauve, Scott Crossfield (Theater Projects)
acoustic consulting: Cristian Ezcurdia, Jaume Soler (SoundArts) Sustainability: Victor Viscor (Societat Orgànica)
lighting design: Víctor Palacio (Ideas en Luz)

location: Mexico City
status: under construction
renders: Jorge Yáñez Barranco (Contarq)