This project conceptualizes the rehabilitation of a space in direct connection with its natural context. The rehabilitation was seen as an opportunity to redeem and redefine the Chapultepec Zoo's food court. Each piece is connected by maximizing the constructive and structural value of a new materiality, convening its integration as an iconic point where people who pass through, live, and coexist in the zoo always find a balance between social recreation and respect for the environment in comfortable and modern spaces.

The project consists of a mixed-use building: on the ground floor, a new dining area is created, as well as a food preparation corridor with complementary services and a gallery. This allows for a more casual transition between the preparation area and the dining room, inviting people to gather, socialize, and enjoy the common space without any spatial barriers.

On the upper floor, an open gallery is built with terraces and elements that permeate the area, offering unobstructed views, a sense of continuity between the interior and exterior, better use of light and natural ventilation, and allowing for the recreational use of a space without spatial barriers for curatorial purposes, exhibitions, and appreciation and education of the exhibits held. This highlights its role as an educational space for new generations regarding environmental care and the zoo's biodiversity. The dining area, as well as the entrance and exit to the gallery, are sheltered under a laminated wood roof, while the walkway for food preparation and services is covered by a vault.

This unique form defines and respects the footsteps and passages of diners and visitors, transforming them into consolidated and accessible circulations that connect meeting points and enable access without losing the connection with the immediate context and natural surroundings. The vaulted shape allows for the creation of large, open spaces without columns, facilitating movement and interaction and creating a welcoming atmosphere with feelings of spaciousness and comfort that foster connection and interaction between people while they wait for their food.

From the beginning, a food court was defined that would not be an alien insertion into the zoo or Chapultepec Forest, but rather, in its appearance, language, and connection with the environment, it would become part of the place. Therefore, the choice of laminated wood as the main element stemmed from the need to use a material that was part of the forest. As it is a space for common use and socialization, it had to be an open area with shade for the enjoyment and recreation of many people. Thus, the main covering, made up of a laminated wood roof with a triangular pattern, was designed based on the structure of a beehive as a symbolic representation of community, which is achieved through food as an act of coexistence, meeting, and gathering among family and friends.

2023

2023

Project name: Patio de Comidas y Galería del Zoológico de Chapultepec
Category: Commercial
Location: Bosque de Chapultepec, Ciudad de México
Completion year: 2023
Project Team: Eduardo Gorozpe, Oscar Renucci, Manuel Carlos, Lilian Garcia, Diego Vazquez, Andrea Patlan, Miguel Becerril
Ing. Betancourt.
Built area: 2,615 m2
Land surface: m2
Photography: Recording Architecture, Jaime Navarro








Project Design: A001 Architecture Workshop
Design Team: Eduardo Gorozpe, Oscar Renucci, Manuel Carlos, Lilian Garcia, Diego Vazquez, Andrea Patlan, Miguel Becerril
Structural Design: Ing. Betancourt
Video: Recording Architecture
Photography: Recording Architecture, Jaime Navarro
ARUS Installations

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