the crosses lookout point by elemental is a site of serenity

the crosses lookout point by elemental is a site of serenity
image © iwan baan

located on a route walked by pilgrims in jalisco, mexico, elemental have devised a lookout point allowing weary devotees to recuperate before they descend towards the final point of the pilgrimage.

in developing the scheme elemental first looked at providing an area for people to be seated, before the proposal began to consider the positive effect that a change of elevation would have in allowing visitors to sit and rest more comfortably.

the lookout point provides a place for weary pilgrims to rest
image © iwan baan

open at both ends, the structure allows its resting occupants to be naturally cooled and sheltered. while it was also decided that the resting place should have the dense shading qualities provided by solid surfaces, in contrast to the type of shade provided by the surrounding trees.

the shelter is located at the highest point of the pilgrim route
image © iwan baan

elemental envisioned that a low maintenance piece of infrastructure, rather than architecture, would respond more naturally to the rather primitive nature of the site, allowing the durable structure to age naturally within its environment.

the project has been designed to age naturally within its surroundings
image © iwan baan

respecting the sanctity of the area, elemental were careful not to disturb the site. instead of conventional digging methods, alternative solutions were found in order to anchor the building. the counter slope used also allows pilgrims to view the long path they have arrived on.

the structure allows its resting occupants to be naturally cooled and sheltered
image © iwan baan

elemental have sought to design a much needed place for pilgrims to recuperate, whilst at the same time creating a destination sensitive to its environment.

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project info:

architect: alejandro aravena / elemental
project team: diego torres, víctor oddó
completion date: 2010
building area: 148 sq m / 1593 sq ft
location: pilgrim route ameca-talpa, jalisco, mexico