'Elena Poniatowska' Ágora and Library

Tultitlán, Mexico

Category Cultural | Educational | Healthcare | Urban Renewal
Job type Direct Commission
Date 2020 - 2024
Size 15,871 m²
Client Secretaría de Desarrollo Agrario, Territorial y Urbano - SEDATU
Collaborators ORU I Departamento del Distrito I Ricardo García Santander
Status Built
Photos Adriana Hamui - Bé Estudio - SEDATU

Tultitlán: An Industrial Hub with a Community Focus

Tultitlán is a municipality located in the northeastern region of the State of Mexico, bordering the northern edge of Mexico City. Renowned for its industrial character, the area hosts numerous warehouses and industrial facilities that play a vital role in the local economy. Its close proximity to Mexico City and integration into the metropolitan area position Tultitlán as a key urban center, where industrial growth is thoughtfully balanced with cultural and community-driven initiatives.

Building Community Through Public Space

In 2019, the Mexican federal government, through the Secretariat of Agrarian, Territorial and Urban Development (SEDATU), launched the Urban Improvement Program (PMU) to enhance public spaces across the country. The program focuses on building social infrastructure that promotes community interaction, meets local needs, and encourages the use of public spaces. 'Elena Poniatowska' Ágora and Library is one such project, reflecting the program goals of fostering community engagement and accessibility.

A Multi-Program Corridor for Community Integration

The Elena Poniatowska Ágora and Library spans 222 meters in length, forming a dynamic public complex situated just north of Mexico City. Designed to revitalize an expansive urban parcel, the project introduces a new pedestrian axis that seamlessly integrates into the superblock layout. It features diverse public programs focused on healthcare, arts, culture, and education, fostering accessibility and enriching community life.

The pedestrian axis serves a dual purpose as an urban plaza and a park. Stretching from north to south, it features arid gardens, seating areas, and lightweight metal pergolas, creating a seamless connection between three newly constructed single-level buildings.

A Modular Approach Rooted in Local Industrial Typologies

Drawing inspiration from the industrial warehouse typologies prevalent in Tultitlán, the new buildings are organized around a 5m x 5m structural grid, offering internal flexibility and potential for future adaptations. To manage the region’s intense sunlight, a series of skylights and courtyards filter natural light into the interiors. The exterior facades are wrapped in uniform corrugated metal sheeting, while dynamic saw-tooth roof elements are strategically placed to align with key program areas.

Program

The interior steel structure of each building is accentuated with distinct colors to aid in navigation: green for the social services and medical center, orange for the library and adjacent auditorium, and red for the arts and culture hub.