Thomas Gomez Ospina, Zaina Amer, Justin Lieberman, Arie Weiss, Katie Dang, Mahin Haynes
Mextropoli 2022 Pavilion:
Fronteras

Fronteras aims to recognize the reclamation of agency by the impoverished communities of Mexico City. Though significant barriers are imposed by the affluent, the working class endeavour to create temporary & ungoverned spaces of their own. Tianguis are open-air markets that serve as an informal economy for the impoverished. Labor, commerce, and social relations unfold below the bright pink canopies that denote the arrival of the market. These canopies inspired the interactive units within and around Fronteras, signifying gateways that penetrate the structure’s membrane. The act of penetrating and redefining the barrier is significant to the impoverished community of Mexico City, allowing individuals to reclaim control of their surroundings themselves and transform barriers into passages. It holds meanings of resilience, persistence, and the reclaiming of agency. Breaking the boundary leads to the interior third places that exist within the barrier itself.

Much like the markets, Fronteras is modular and can be deconstructed into polycarbonate panels, plywood, and MDF. This allows for easy deployment and transportation. Each module contains a program that revolves around the rich history of Mexico City. The modules host a gallery, community market, garden, performance stage, library space, and a playground.


Toronto Metropolitan Department of  Architectural Science Toronto, CA.