B etween Kilometre 103 and 108 of Mexico City/ Acapulco Highway, a number of people have set up a series of extremely basic, provisionary structures adjacent to the highway from which they sell roses to tourists on the road.These structures are mostly made out of two garbage barrels with a wooden board on top of them as a table to put the flowers on.The more extravagant ones have four wooden poles connected with string and a plastic tent to protect themselves from the 32 degree heat. This temporariness results from the fact that these people are invading federal land and therefore are vulnerable to removal at any time. Such an action would put the venders in an even more precarious situation for the average vender has a family of 6 to 7 members, hardly speaks Spanish, and selling flowers is the only income. Thus, their invasion of the highway edge is a movement towards survival. We decided to get involved, to move into the territory. We contacted the Governor of Morelos to propose a plan to him. If we designed a prototype, got sponsors to provide the material and the vendors provided the manual labor, would they allow the permanent settlement of these structures?
As we approached the first vendor, we recognized the importance of getting the vendors involved and made responsible for the construction, for these are hard working people who become suspicious of any action done for them with nothing asked of them in return.Their involvement in the process creates a sense of personal responsibility and that in turn creates a sense of dignity. The construction consists of a carpet of local stone, eight steel poles that create a box connected with wire where six ivy plants begin to grow to create a skin.The vendor therefore can dictate how dense the wall and ceiling might become and where openings occur. Only the two facades perpendicular to the highway remain completely open to allow the merchandise to be seen by drivers on the move at 100 km/hr, while still providing shade to the vender. The Governor of Morelos has agreed to the plan and the first prototype has been built. Another move within the process of architecture has been made. Must continue…
Manoo Arquitectos work in Mexico City
tecnicas de expresion arquitectonica: moving into architecture Manoo Arquitectos:
Iván Hernández Quintela David Hernández Quintela
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