Arch Tracker

Located on the border with the United States, the cultural duality of Ciudad Juarez makes for an authentic case study of a divided city, with it’s counterpart, El Paso. It is a context with dramatic socioeconomic segregation of a predominately young population where strong economic dynamism, linked to a strong assembling industry, is permeated by insecurity and violence. Its strategic geographic position has both great advantages and disadvantages. It occupies an extensive low-density urban area, the result of an accelerated process of expansion and the absence of an urban center.

The XXII Arquine Competition calls for participants to develop ideas for an architectural intervention in an emblematic part of the city: a Media Park, directed toward young people that contributes to breaking the environment of violence and frustration by activating the semi-abandoned polygon in the PRONAF Zone (National Border Program of Mexico) created in 1961. The projects should create an environment for free and safe interactions that can also be a space for culture and learning. Some of the references for this competition include the library-park in Medellin or the MIT Media Lab within their respective contexts. [More info after the break] Leer el resto de esta entrada »

The 18th CEMEX BUILDING AWARD shows the contest has strived to achieve its goal of promoting a culture of innovation and competitiveness in concrete construction. The outstanding structures by the winners and finalists show the effort and hard work involved in creating architecture committed to improving people´s quality of life while still caring for the environment. More info after the break.

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