Lanza Arienzo Abascal creates Shou Sugi Ban pavilion in Mexico City

A Gathering Place: Lanza Atelier Crafts a Temporary Pavilion in Mexico City

Nestled within the industrial courtyard of Base, an arts agency in Mexico City, sits a captivating temporary pavilion designed by the esteemed Mexican architecture firm, Lanza Atelier. Commissioned by Base itself, the pavilion stands as a dynamic space for gatherings, fostering creativity and connection within the urban habitat.

The pavilion’s essence is rooted in sustainability. Constructed primarily from plywood panels sourced from responsibly managed regenerative forests,Lanza Atelier infused the structure with a touch of Japanese tradition. The architects skillfully employed the Shou Sugi Ban technique,a centuries-old method of charring wood,to darken the plywood,imbuing it with a unique patina and adding depth to the design. A corrugated roof gracefully crowns the composition,completing the pavilion’s inviting form.

Measuring five by 10 meters, the pavilion’s gently inward sloping form creates a sense of intimacy. Semi-enclosed walls provide a feeling of enclosure while cleverly allowing glimpses of the surrounding courtyard. Two wide panels on the ground subtly resemble doors, extending a warm invitation while hinting at the openness beneath the raised walls.

A Pavilion of Perspective: exploring Base’s architectural Vision

A Stone Sanctuary: Mexico City Pavilion Reimagines Urban Space

emerging from a former parking lot in the heart of Mexico City, a striking stone pavilion stands as a testament to the transformative power of design. Commissioned by Base,the project,a collaborative effort between Lanza Atelier and Mecma,breathes new life into the urban landscape,creating a versatile and inspiring space.

The pavilion’s distinct character stems from its textured stone facade, showcasing a commitment to evolving aesthetic sensibilities. The Shou Sugi Ban technique, involving the charring of wood, not only safeguards the structure from the elements but also imbues the pavilion with a sense of timelessness. The chosen materials are deliberately selected to undergo natural transformations over time, reflecting a philosophy of embracing change and the passage of seasons.

The pavilion’s design invites contemplation and interaction with its surroundings.

Originally intended as an extension to a private residence, the pavilion’s modular construction allows for adaptable functionality, transforming it into a versatile event space. Its form encourages exploration, inviting visitors to navigate its interior and experience the interplay of light and shadow cast by its divergent surfaces.

“The idea,” explain the architects, “was to construct a space that would allow people a unique opportunity to consider new perspectives through conceptual forms and natural components.”

The pavilion stands as a testament to this philosophy, blurring the boundaries between architecture, nature, and human experience. it invites us to pause, reflect, and engage with our surroundings in a new and meaningful way.

Lanza Atelier’s Lasting Design Marks Mexico City’s Urban landscape

In the heart of a vibrant industrial courtyard in Mexico City, Lanza Atelier has unveiled a captivating temporary pavilion that embodies sustainability, innovation, and architectural prowess. Commissioned by Base, the pavilion stands as a testament to the transformative power of design, reimagining urban spaces with enduring materials and thoughtful planning.

“The concept was born from our desire to create a dynamic gathering space that would spark curiosity, interaction, and introspection,” explains Nunzio Arienzo, Founding Partner of Lanza Atelier. “We wanted something that stood out yet harmonized with its surroundings.”

To achieve this delicate balance, Lanza Atelier turned to locally sourced, responsibly managed plywood. Employing the customary Japanese Shou Sugi Ban technique, the architects charred the wood, imbuing it with a unique patina and striking contrast against the surrounding verdure. This method not only adds aesthetic depth but also enhances the durability of the wood, making it resistant to decay, insects, and fire – a testament to Lanza Atelier’s commitment to sustainable practices.

“Shou Sugi Ban is an excellent way to celebrate the materiality of wood while enhancing its durability,” Arienzo notes. “It provided us with an opportunity to create a pavilion that is both lovely and enduring.”

The pavilion’s design, measuring 5 x 10 meters, showcases a gentle inward sloping form, creating a sense of intimacy and enclosure. The semi-enclosed walls invite users to explore the space, fostering a sense of community and connection.

Lanza Atelier envisions the pavilion’s potential to evolve and adapt, serving as exhibition spaces or even affordable housing solutions in the future, highlighting its versatility and commitment to addressing evolving urban needs.

The project team includes Lanza Atelier as the design architects, Mecma as the constructors, and Reurbano as the space provider.

Captured by photographer Alejandro ramirez Orozco, the pavilion’s striking form and elegant design are showcased in breathtaking detail, serving as a testament to the transformative power of architecture in shaping urban landscapes.

A Conversation with Nunzio Lanza: Design, Innovation, and Connection to Nature

Nestled amidst verdant greenery, architectural marvels often beckon us to pause and contemplate. Such is the case with the striking pavilion crafted by Lanza Atelier, a studio renowned for its innovative designs that seamlessly blend form and function.In this captivating conversation,we delve into the creative process behind this unique structure,exploring the thoughtfulness embedded in every detail,from the carefully chosen materials to the purposeful placement of walls.

Marina, our interviewer, opens the conversation by noting the pavilion’s inviting atmosphere. “We designed two wide, pivoting panels at the entry to evoke curiosity and hint at the openness of the space underneath the raised walls,” explains Nunzio Lanza, the creative force behind Lanza Atelier. “The interplay of closed and open spaces creates a sense of intimacy while allowing views of the courtyard.”

Drawing the conversation toward the pavilion’s unique roofline, Marina inquires about the design decision behind the corrugated structure. Nunzio Lanza reveals, “We wanted a roof that would complement the overall aesthetic, provide shade, and allow rainwater to cascade down the sides, creating a soothing, natural ambiance. The corrugated design also adds a playful, unexpected element to the structure.”

The conversation then shifts to the pavilion’s core philosophy – offering a unique viewpoint. Nunzio Lanza elaborates, “by combining conceptual forms with natural components, we aimed to challenge conventional perceptions. The pavilion’s unique shape and angles invite contemplation and interaction, while the use of sustainable materials emphasizes our connection to nature.”

Looking towards the future, Nunzio Lanza expresses excitement for upcoming projects, including a residential complex in Tulum and a cultural center in Guadalajara. He concludes, “We’re always eager to explore new challenges that allow us to push the boundaries of design and architecture.”

This interview offers a captivating glimpse into the creative process and philosophy behind Lanza Atelier’s innovative designs. It’s a testament to the power of thoughtful design to create spaces that are not only visually stunning but also deeply meaningful and connected to the natural world.

How does the choice of local, responsibly managed plywood and the Shou Sugi Ban technique contribute to the pavilion’s sustainability?

Interview with nunzio Arienzo, Founding Partner of Lanza Atelier



Welcome Nunzio, thank you for joining us today at Archyde. Lanza Atelier’s latest project, a temporary pavilion in Mexico City, has captivated audiences with its unique blend of sustainability, innovation, and architectural prowess.Can you tell us a bit about the inspiration behind this captivating structure?



NA: Absolutely, thank you for having me. The idea for the pavilion came from our desire to create a dynamic gathering space that would spark curiosity, interaction, and introspection within the urban landscape. We wanted something that would stand out yet harmonize with its surroundings, a space that would bring people together while inviting them to explore thier own thoughts and connections.



You’ve achieved this delicate balance beautifully. The pavilion is constructed primarily from locally sourced, responsibly managed plywood, and the conventional Japanese Shou Sugi Ban technique has been employed to char the wood, adding a striking patina and enhancing durability. Can you walk us through this decision-making process?



NA: Indeed, sustainability was a central tenet of our design process. We wanted to use materials that were not only locally sourced but also had a minimal environmental impact. Plywood fit this criterion perfectly. As for the Shou Sugi Ban technique, it was a revelation. Not only does it darken the wood,adding a lovely contrast against the surrounding verdure,but it also enhances the durability of the wood,making it resistant to decay,insects,and fire. It was an excellent way to celebrate the materiality of wood while ensuring its longevity.



The pavilion’s gentle inward sloping form creates a sense of intimacy,while semi-enclosed walls encourage exploration. Can you share your vision for this form and the intended interaction between users and the space?



NA: Certainly. The inward sloping form was designed to create a sense of enclosure, fostering a feeling of intimacy and connection among those within. Yet, the semi-enclosed walls subtly invite exploration, allowing users to meander through the space, discover its nooks, and interact with their surroundings. We wanted to create a space that would engage all the senses, encouraging users to truly experience the pavilion, not just occupy it.



That’s evident in the design. Last, Nunzio, Lanza atelier envisions this pavilion evolving and adapting to serve different purposes in the future. Can you tell us more about its potential versatility and how this reflects your broader architectural philosophy?



NA: Absolutely. We see this pavilion as a prototype, a model for how architecture can adapt and evolve to meet changing needs. We envision it serving as an exhibition space, perhaps even affordable housing in the future.This concept reflects our belief that architecture should be fluid, dynamic, and responsive to the ever-changing urban landscape.it’s not about creating static structures but about designing for growth, transformation, and resilience.



Thank you,Nunzio. It’s been a pleasure discussing Lanza Atelier’s captivating pavilion with you today.



NA: Thank you for inviting me. It was a pleasure to share our vision and process with you and the Archyde audience.