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roberto conte captures italy’s modernist cattle market in fading concrete form

roberto conte frames modernist, former cattle market in italy

Photographer Roberto Conte turns his lens toward the Nuovo Foro Boario in Italy, a massive, now mostly forgotten structure that once served as the main cattle market of Padova. Designed by architect Giuseppe Davanzo (1921–2007) and built between 1965 and 1968, the complex is an example of post-war modernist architecture. Today, the building is mostly abandoned, with worn concrete, rusting metal window frames, and a forgotten purpose.

In this photo series, Conte documents the building’s geometric design, which still stands out clearly despite its deteriorated condition, highlighting how its structure has endured even as the materials have aged and worn down. His images reveal the ambition behind the project, showing an attempt to rethink what a marketplace could look like by combining open and covered areas in a layout inspired by the temporary tents used in rural fairs and circuses.

all images by Roberto Conte

exploring the decay of Padova’s Nuovo Foro Boario

Roberto Conte’s photographs capture Nuovo Foro Boario in a transitional state, no longer serving its original purpose, yet not entirely lost to time. The Milan-based photographer’s images follow the contours of the architecture, exploring its surfaces and voids in a way that brings out the layered history embedded in the structure. The worn concrete and corroded metal joints are rendered with striking clarity, tracing the passage of time across the materials. In some photographs, shafts of sunlight cut through the skeletal grid, while in others, the slow advance of vegetation hints at nature’s steady, patient reclamation of the site.

The building was designed on a strict 10×10 meter grid and was one of the first in Italy to use prefabricated components on such a large scale. While the columns were cast directly on site, other parts, like the beams, wall panels, and secondary supports, were made elsewhere and assembled on location, which was a major technical challenge at the time. Interestingly, the entire layout is rotated 45 degrees from the main road to create usable open areas around the building and to make the interior flow more efficiently. 

Roberto Conte turns his lens toward the Nuovo Foro Boario in Italy

a modernist relic by giuseppe davanzo

Located in Padova’s Chiesanuova district on Corso Australia, the Foro Boario once sprawled across an enormous 200,000 square meters, 45,000 of which were covered spaces designed to accommodate up to 3,500 heads of livestock. The concept behind the project was to create a built environment drawing inspiration from the temporary structures of traveling circuses, village fairs, and rural cattle markets. Davanzo interpreted this ephemeral energy through a large-scale tent-like design that used a prefabricated structural system and an expressive roofline, rising from 2.8 to 13.3 meters in height.

Despite this pedigree, changes in livestock trade regulations led to the decline of the market. By the late 1980s, activity had all but ceased, with temporary uses following. A floriculture association occupied parts of the space, and the surrounding grounds became home to circus events and the city’s Festa dell’Unità. Yet the main structures gradually fell into disrepair. Today, large sections of the complex are used merely as storage by the municipality, while the rest waits for a future that remains uncertain, with rumors of redevelopment, including the potential arrival of retail chain Leroy Merlin, circulating for years without resolution.

this massive structure once served as the main cattle market of Padova

the complex is a striking example of modernist architecture

a layout inspired by the temporary tents used in rural fairs and circuses

the images follow the contours of the architecture

the building was designed on a strict 10×10 meter grid

changes in livestock trade regulations led to the decline of the market

the entire layout is rotated 45 degrees from the main road

the surrounding grounds became home to circus events

project info:

name: Nuovo Foro Boario

photographer: Roberto Conte | @ilcontephotography

architect: Giuseppe Davanzo

location: Chiesanuova, Padova, Italy

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giant snakes and ladders board by bijoy jain backdrops louis vuitton’s menswear show in paris

bijoy jain creates stage for louis vuitton ss26 menswear show

A sprawling game board of Snakes and Ladders set the stage for Louis Vuitton’s Spring/Summer 2026 menswear show just outside of The Centre Pompidou. Conceived by Indian architect Bijoy Jain, founder of Studio Mumbai, the scenography reimagined the square as a playground of possibility during Paris Fashion Week, a giant playing field animated by earthen hues and tactile details that visitors moved through and around.

Marking his first collaboration with Louis Vuitton, Jain worked closely with men’s creative director Pharrell Williams, who cited South Asia as a key inspiration for the collection. Drawing from the game’s ancient origins in India, Jain described his vision for the installation as ‘a cosmic diagram… like a mandala, set in the idea of a game where everybody has to ascend.’

all images courtesy of Louis Vuitton

the runway nods to the collection’s south asian inspiration

Studio Mumbai’s recognized architectural approach to design and context comes through in the set’s execution, composed of earthen tones and textures that elevate the beloved board game into a vast spatial experience. The show is staged across a sprawling 2,700-square-meter grid, with several vibrant serpents cutting through, their paths crossing with textile-rendered ladders that beckoned ascension. During the evening the soft palette glows beneath the Pompidou’s iconic postmodern facade. ‘That’s set in this idea of a game where everybody has to ascend,’ notes architect Bijoy Jain.

Louis Vuitton’s Spring/Summer 2026 menswear was unveiled just outside of The Centre Pompidou

a sprawling game board of Snakes and Ladders set the stage for the show

conceived by Indian architect Bijoy Jain, founder of Studio Mumbai

drawing from the game’s ancient origins in India, Jain described his vision for the installation as ‘a cosmic diagram’

marking his first collaboration with Louis Vuitton, Jain worked closely with men’s creative director Pharrell Williams

composed of earthen tones and textures that elevate the beloved board game into a vast spatial experience

staged across a sprawling 2,700-square-meter grid, with several vibrant serpents cutting through

project info:

name: Louis Vuitton SS26 Menswear collection

fashion brand: Louis Vuitton | @louisvuitton

set design: Bijoy Jain — Studio Mumbai

location: Paris, France

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brick walls and perforated jali screens enclose training hub by codec in coastal bangladesh

CODEC Design crafts A Climate-Responsive Training Facility

The Kuakata Training Center by CODEC Design is a purpose-built educational facility designed to support capacity building and skill development for coastal communities in Bangladesh. Located near fishing settlements, ecological zones, and tourist routes, the center provides space for residential training programs on topics such as coastal resource management, sustainable tourism, and disaster preparedness. The project follows a phased construction approach, emphasizing quality, environmental performance, and contextual relevance. Local contractors and laborers were engaged throughout the process, contributing to both construction and community skills development. This participatory method fosters long-term local ownership of the facility.

Climate resilience has played a central role in the architectural strategy. Elevated structures address the site’s vulnerability to flooding and seasonal surges, while passive cooling methods reduce reliance on mechanical systems. An elongated water body positioned on the southern side functions as both a freshwater reservoir and a passive cooling element. Air passing over the pond helps lower indoor temperatures, further supported by jali screens that introduce ventilation and filtered daylight while minimizing heat gain. The structural system combines locally-produced brick load-bearing walls with reinforced concrete beams and roofs, providing stability suitable for cyclone-prone environments. Material selection prioritizes durability, ecological responsibility, and regional identity. Features such as solar power systems and rainwater harvesting units further reduce the building’s environmental footprint.

all images by Asif Salman

Kuakata Training Center is a platform for experiential learning

The interior layout accommodates various programmatic needs. In addition to classrooms and seminar spaces, the center includes residential units for trainees and facilitators, as well as dining facilities that emphasize the use of locally sourced ingredients. Outdoor spaces, including open courtyards, shaded walkways, and planted green zones, are integrated to encourage informal gathering and relaxation, enhancing the overall learning environment. The facility is also intended to serve as a platform for experiential education. Its proximity to the coastal ecosystem enables training modules and excursions that connect participants with the region’s environmental, economic, and cultural contexts. The Kuakata Training Center by CODEC Design Studio reflects an approach that integrates education with environmental awareness, community participation, and sustainable design practices.

the Kuakata Training Center supports skills development for coastal communities in Bangladesh

local contractors and laborers were engaged throughout the building process

elevated structures provide protection against flooding and seasonal surges

the structural system uses locally-produced brick load-bearing walls with reinforced concrete roofs

Jali screens promote ventilation while minimizing heat gain and allowing filtered light

passive cooling strategies reduce reliance on mechanical ventilation systems

solar power systems contribute to the center’s low environmental footprint

the design addresses cyclone resilience through material and structural choices

planted green zones enhance comfort and microclimate conditions throughout the site

the interior layout includes classrooms, seminar spaces, and residential units for trainees

project info:

name: CODEC-Kuakata Training Center
architect: CODEC Design

location: Kuakata, Bangladesh

lead architect: Quazi Wafiq Alam

design team: Hossenur Rahman Juwel, Nowshin Matin

structural engineer: Sauban Masud

photographer: Asif Salman | @salarchman

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom

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gustaf westman’s spiral baguette holder carries a loaf of bread like a handbag

Loopy Baguette holder in pink by gustaf westman

Gustaf Westman reveals a spiral baguette holder in pink that carries a loaf of bread anywhere like a handbag. Crafted for his Paris pop-up, the Swedish designer is set to display the piece at 3 Rue Cunin-Gridaine between June 28th and 29th. The playful accessory also continues his pink fest from his camping gear collection for the Mercedes-Benz CLA. This time, it’s for a piece of baguette, fitting snugly around three loops.

Gustaf Westman’s spiral baguette holder is part of his summer-long pop-up experience. During this journey, he’s not setting up in traditional spaces but taking over real homes, aka private residences, across different European cities. The Swedish designer has finished his tour in Berlin (between June 14th and 15th) as well as Copenhagen (June 18th and 19th). The next stop is in Paris, between June 28th and 29th, followed by Amsterdam between August 30th and 31st, and Madrid between September 6th and 7th.

all images courtesy of Gustaf Westman

Pop-ups taking over private homes instead of retail stores

In every tour, the Swedish designer brings over his signature design pieces, including the recent spiral baguette holder. Gustaf Westman posts the private residences he’s temporarily transforming into a curated workshop on his Instagram feed. He’s turning each space into a part-installation, part-retail venue. The designer invites each guest to step inside an already lived-in apartment, furnished to feel as if they were just entering a friend’s home. Only this time, the home is full of bright-colored, playful objects, from chunky cups and circular plates to flower mirrors, blob tables, and even this recent spiral baguette holder.

For the Swedish designer, bringing objects into real homes instead of a showroom or a blank space fascinates him. ‘It feels like a genuine way to display the pieces. That’s how they should be seen,’ he says. It’s also a time when he and the visitors can connect, a meeting of all sorts of fun among the living and non-living beings. When visitors scan the apartments, they find Gustaf Westman’s works, including the baguette holder, all of which are a series of handmade objects – sculptural, curvy, loopy, – crafted by a small network of independent producers. These collectible homeware items plan to travel throughout the summer season, but visitors can also have them in their spaces, a permanent fixture in their own homes, a way to add a splash of color and vibrancy to the personal residence.

view of a piece of baguette, fitting snugly around three loops

detailed view of the object with a loaf of baguette

the Swedish designer is set to display the piece at 3 Rue Cunin-Gridaine between June 28th and 29th

project info:

name: Baguette holder

designer: Gustaf Westman | @gustafwestman

tours: Berlin (June 14th to 15th), Copenhagen (June 18th to 19th), Paris (June 28th to 29th), Amsterdam (August 30th and 31st), Madrid (September 6th to 7th)

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bjarke ingels group breaks ground on sculptural las vegas ballpark for oakland A’s

Big and hntb collaborate for new las vegas baseball stadium

The famed Las Vegas Strip is expected to be the home of a new ballpark for the Oakland A’s by architecture firms Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) and HNTB. Once complete, the project is set to be the future home of Major League Baseball’s Oakland Athletics. Taking inspiration from Las Vegas‘ vibrant atmosphere, the ballpark is an open-air space with panoramic views of the desert city’s skyline. This 33,000-seat covered stadium occupies a nine-acre plot on Las Vegas Boulevard between Tropicana and Reno Avenues. Scheduled to open in spring 2028, the project marks a renewed collaboration between BIG and the Athletics, following an earlier ballpark design proposed for Oakland, California in 2018 (see designboom’s coverage here).

UPDATE June 25th, 2025: The Oakland A’s officially break ground on their Las Vegas ballpark, designed by Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) and HNTB. Dubbed ‘the Armadillo’ for its expressive, layered shell, the structure marks BIG’s first realized baseball stadium and redefines the typology with a dramatic cable-net glass facade framing the Strip.

Set to open ahead of the 2028 MLB season, the project brings together Thornton Tomasetti, Henderson Engineers, CAA ICON, Mortenson, and McCarthy Building Companies. The ballpark also builds on BIG’s previous collaboration with the Athletics on an earlier, unbuilt design in Oakland. ‘This groundbreaking is a great milestone for our almost decade-long collaboration with the A’s. It marks the end of a long journey to find the new home for the A’s, and on a personal note, the groundbreaking of our first baseball stadium,’ shares Bjarke Ingels. ‘The A’s Armadillo is unlike any other ballpark, and will not only be a great home for the team and the sport, but also a striking new architectural

character in the string of pearls along the Las Vegas Strip.’

all images courtesy of Bjarke Ingels Group, unless stated otherwise

a dome roof for ambient light and framed views

The architects at Bjarke Ingels Group collaborate with HNTB for the new ballpark in Las Vegas, instantly recognized by its sculptural roof. Five overlapping shells, are designed to resemble ‘baseball pennants,’ and provide shade for players while allowing indirect natural light to filter through clerestory windows oriented towards the north. The domed structure also hosts the world’s largest cable net glass wall, framing uninterrupted views of Las Vegas. The building’s exterior, wrapped in metallic panels, shimmers in the sunlight and reflects the city’s dazzling lights at night.

John Fisher, Managing Partner & Owner, Athletics comments: ‘BIG’s revolutionary design, created in collaboration with HNTB, represents a captivating ballpark concept, seamlessly blending innovation and technology with an enhanced fan experience. We are very excited to share the work of our design team with the entire Southern Nevada community.’

the project is set to be the future home of Major League Baseball’s Oakland Athletics

the breezy, climate controlled space

Fans enter the ballpark through an elevated outdoor plaza, which Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) and HNTB connect with bridges spanning Las Vegas Boulevard and Tropicana Avenue. This entrance leads directly to the main concourse, where a large glass atrium opens toward the cityscape. This design ensures optimal navigation and will allow arriving fans to immediately take in the entire field and seating arrangement. Secondary entrances on the north and south sides feature ‘bouncing’ arches, promoting accessibility and a connection to the outdoors. Once inside, bright and airy atria greet the visitors, doubling as multi-purpose exhibition spaces that showcase local and international art.

Inspired by historic ballparks like Fenway Park and Wrigley Field, the tiered seating design with split upper and lower bowls brings spectators closer to the action than in traditional stadiums. Every seat is designed to offer unobstructed sight lines. An innovative air-conditioning system ensures efficient and eco-friendly cooling by distributing cool air directly to the seats rather than from the ceiling.

the domed structure hosts the world’s largest cable net glass wall

Bjarke Ingels comments: ‘Our design for the new Vegas home for the A’s is conceived in response to the unique culture and climate of the city. Five pennant arches enclose the ballpark – shading from the Nevada sun while opening to the soft daylight from the north. A giant window frames a majestic view of the life of The Strip and the iconic New York New York hotel skyline. All direct sunlight is blocked, while all the soft daylight is allowed to wash the field in natural light. The resultant architecture is like a spherical armadillo — shaped by the local climate — while opening and inviting the life of The Strip to enter and explore. In the city of spectacle, the A’s ‘armadillo’ is designed for passive shading and natural light — the architectural response to the Nevada climate generating a new kind of vernacular icon in Vegas.’

taking inspiration from Las Vegas‘ vibrant atmosphere

Daniel Sundlin, Partner, BIG, continues: ‘Our new A’s Ballpark in Las Vegas is designed to celebrate baseball and become a destination for fans from all over the world. The ballpark will be a climate-controlled, state-of-the-art facility that will house a variety of events and guest experiences. By opening up the roof structure, we’re capturing the energy of the iconic Las Vegas Strip and creating a unique synergy between its events and the surrounding city.’

this 33,000-seat covered stadium will occupy a nine-acre plot

scheduled to open in spring 2028

the project marks a renewed collaboration between BIG and the Athletics

bright and airy atria greet the visitors

the Oakland A’s officially break ground on their Las Vegas ballpark | image by the Athletics

the structure marks BIG’s first realized baseball stadium | image by the Athletics

BIG Team (L to R): Leon Rost, Tracey Coffin, Frankie Sharpe, Jan Klaska, Daniel Sundlin | image by the Athletics

project info:

project title: Athletics Ballpark

architecture: Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), HNTB

location: Las Vegas, Nevada

size: 33,000 capacity

completion: expected 2028

client: Athletics
collaborators: HNTB, Thornton Tomasetti, Henderson Engineers, CAA ICON, Mortenson, McCarthy, Atelier Ten, RWDI, Kimley-Horn, Systematica, WJHW, Jensen Hughes, HKA, WSP, FP&C, Chicago Flyhouse, Duray Duncan, Ed Roether Consulting, Morean

BIG team:
partners-in-charge: Bjarke Ingels, Daniel Sundlin
project manager: Aran Coakley
project leaders: Frankie Sharpe, Jan Klaska, Ricardo Palma
team: Ahmad Tabbakh, Alan Maedo, Bernardo Schuhmacher, Catrina Nelson, Don Chen, Douglass Alligood, Ema Bakalova, Hongye Wu, Hudson Parris, Jeff Tao, Margaret Tyrpa, Matthew Lau, Paul Heberle, Pooya Aledavood, Sunghwan Um, Thomas McMurtrie, Yuzaburo Tanaka

HNTB team:
principal-in-charge: Lanson Nichols
project director: Brad Albers
project leaders: Emily Louchart, Jeff Goode
team: Stephanie Schneidereit, Bryan Rincon, Phil Perkins, Donovan Brook, Jack Swezy, Jimena Dorador, Robbie Powell

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libernovo’s omni chair engineers motorized lumbar, adjustable armrests & massage function

libernovo rolls out omni chair 

Engineered to intuitively mirror the way the body shifts throughout the day, Omni by Libernovo is less of a chair and more of a biomechanical extension, smartly designed to keep the user aligned, supported, and at ease. At first glance, it presents as a minimal, sculpted ergonomic chair, but in use, it reveals something far more compelling: a dynamic system that feels alive, constantly responding to posture, movement, and micro-adjustments in real time. For Omni, LiberNovo combines intelligent motorized lumbar support, synchronized motion across all contact points, and adaptive cushioning to deliver continuous, responsive comfort throughout long work sessions. On top of that, built with aerospace-grade tension panels, multi-zone foam, and stretch textiles, the chair intuitively adjusts to posture changes, promoting natural movement and spinal alignment without interrupting focus.

Libernovo presents Omni chair | all images courtesy of Libernovo

libernovo makes biomechanical science meet industrial design

LiberNovo approaches ergonomic design with the rigour of an engineering studio and the sensitivity of a design atelier. Rewarded with the iF Design Award and Red Dot Design Award, the company has staked its reputation on rethinking how the body relates to furniture, particularly in environments where users are seated, focused, and motionless for hours on end. Rather than designing for one perfect posture, LiberNovo sees ergonomics as a constantly shifting experience — one that should adapt seamlessly to motion and pressure rather than forcing stillness.

With the Omni chair, the studio brings together its full suite of research: dynamic lumbar support powered by an internal motor, synchronized motion across the frame, precision-contoured cushioning, and integrated modes tailored to different work rhythms and recovery moments.

Omni stands out for its intelligent motorized lumbar support and synchronized motion across all contact points

omni supports motion, not just position

Traditional ergonomic chairs often promise support, but only deliver it when the user sits in a very specific way. The moment you lean forward to reach a pen or shift to glance at another screen, that support disappears. Omni rethinks this limitation entirely. Its Bionic FlexFit Backrest features a built-in electric motor that subtly reshapes itself in real time, hugging the spine’s natural S-curve as posture changes. There’s no clunky feedback, no loud motors, just an unmistakable sensation that the chair is ‘listening’ to how one moves and offering silent, responsive assistance.

Specifically, this system pairs with the SyncroLink Mechanism, which connects the seat, backrest, headrest, and armrests into a unified choreography. When reclining back into one of the four preset modes, every element moves in harmony. The headrest lifts to keep your gaze level with the screen. The armrests glide with your elbows so your shoulders don’t tense. The seat tilts gently, maintaining pressure balance. Not once does the body lose alignment — whether leaning forward in focus or dropping into a deep recline for a reset.

Omni’s Bionic FlexFit Backrest features a built-in electric motor that subtly reshapes itself in real time

Each of Omni’s angles feels tailored, not generic. The 105° Deep Focus Mode was a clear favorite during extended editing sessions—it reduced muscle fatigue without making the body feel slack. At 120°, the chair opens up slightly, encouraging creative flow and breath expansion, especially useful during brainstorming. The 135° Soft Recline cut down fatigue during long meetings and content reviews, and the 160° Spine Flow Mode surprised with how effective it felt – this wasn’t just lounging; it was functional recovery.

In Spine Flow, the seat lifts slightly and the backrest stretches upward, gently decompressing the lower spine. The sensation mirrors assisted spinal decompression or restorative yoga poses—but here it’s delivered by a single button, within the structure of a chair. The 5-minute massage function works in this same mode, using the motorized backrest to apply a lifting stretch rather than rolling pressure. After trying it at the end of a long day, the lower back felt noticeably lighter, and there was a surprising clarity in the head, likely thanks to pressure release along the spine.

each of Omni’s angles feels tailored, spanning from 105° to 160°

It’s one thing for a chair to feel ergonomic when used on its own, but most fall apart when placed in front of a monitor or desk, where the angle of the screen or the height of the arms disrupts ideal posture. Designed in context though, when tested with a standard sit-stand desk setup, its dynamic components kept the user’s posture intact at every angle. The 20mm thick foam armrests aligned perfectly with the desk after a few easy tweaks with the headrest following the tilt of the spine, making sure the eyes stayed on the upper third of the monitor exactly as recommended in ergonomic guidelines. 

Material-wise, the backrest incorporates a skin-friendly stretch textile that conforms to movement without slipping. Beneath that, a sponge-wrap layer adds softness, while eight aerospace-grade tension panels create structure and bounce. Meanwhile, the seat uses multi-zone foam: denser at the back for support, softer at the front to avoid cutting off circulation behind the knees. This combination proved especially effective during a full 8-hour session with no stiffness, numbness, or heat buildup.

a sponge-wrap layer adds softness, while eight aerospace-grade tension panels create structure and bounce.

Unboxing the Omni underscores LiberNovo’s attention to detail. The chair arrives in a compact 70 x 70 cm box, with each component carefully wrapped and securely nested — efficient without feeling cramped. Not only that, but assembly is unexpectedly straightforward: just three screws, a supplied screwdriver, and a set of printed instructions that are clear and well laid-out. For added guidance, a QR code links to a concise step-by-step video walkthrough.

Each piece clicks into place with satisfying precision, eliminating the trial-and-error frustration that often comes with self-assembly furniture. Even for those who don’t typically enjoy building things, the process feels more like snapping together a design object than ‘assembling a chair.’ From unboxing to full setup, it takes about 15 minutes—quiet, smooth, and entirely self-explanatory.

the 20mm thick foam armrests are aligned perfectly with the desk after a few easy tweaks

The embedded electronics are charged in about three and a half hours, and battery performance held strong through weeks of testing – nearly matching the 30-day claim for massage and motor usage. The chair passed certifications including UL962, FCC SDoC, BIFMA X5.1, and CA Prop 65, and felt solid throughout with no squeaks nor loose shifts. The frame is backed by a five-year warranty, with two years on electronic components.

To better understand how the Omni chair interacts with the body during extended use, LiberNovo’s proprietary pressure mapping vest was used. The setup measured contact area, pressure distribution, and lumbar engagement across different modes, including deep focus and spine flow. The results showed a consistently high real-time support area, especially in the lower back and shoulders, with pressure per unit area remaining low, indicating well-balanced, even support. While the exact readings may vary between users, the test confirmed Omni’s ability to maintain full-body alignment and minimize pressure peaks, particularly during recline and recovery modes.

the backrest incorporates a skin-friendly stretch textile that conforms to movement without slipping

in Spine Flow, the seat lifts slightly and the backrest stretches upward, gently decompressing the lower spine

the seat uses multi-zone foam that is denser at the back for support and softer at the front to avoid cutting off circulation behind the knees

Omni adds a relieving clarity in the head, likely thanks to pressure release along the spine

project info:

name: Omni Chair

company: LiberNovo | @libernovo_official

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four barrel vaults outline residential complex by bloqe arquitectura in mexico city

Mariano Azuela 194 sits in the historic Santa María la Ribera area

Located in the Santa María la Ribera neighborhood of Mexico City, Mariano Azuela 194 is a multi-bay residential complex designed by Bloqe Arquitectura. The project is conceived to align with the area’s architectural heritage and urban character, incorporating a scale and language consistent with the neighborhood’s historical fabric.

The building, composed of four bays and two circulation cores, is designed to relate harmoniously to its urban surroundings, respecting the scale and architectural characteristics of the place. Each tower is crowned with a barrel vault, which not only provides a distinctive character to the design, but also functions as an additional space for the apartments located on the top floor. These vaults create an interesting play of curves on the roof, offering dynamism and character to the complex.

all images by ESPACIOS – Andres Cedillo

Historical references guide the design by Bloqe arquitectura

The facade, high on the ground floor and equipped with canopies, adopts the proportions and architectural language characteristic of the early twentieth century, reflecting the essence of the buildings that abound in the neighborhood. The design by Bloqe arquitectura Studio also includes a commercial space on the ground floor, with the aim of promoting urban life and contributing to the quality of the immediate environment. As for the materials, Mariano Azuela 194 project uses elements of national origin, worked with artisanal techniques. This choice gives rise to a palette of natural colors, which includes natural marbles, earth finishes on the walls, and artisanal partitions, all in tune with the character and richness of traditional Mexican architecture. 

Mariano Azuela 194 integrates into the historic fabric of Santa María la Ribera

the building consists of four bays and two circulation cores

each bay is crowned with a barrel vault, defining the roofline

the project respects the scale and character of its urban surroundings

top-floor apartments benefit from additional space under the vaults

the building adopts a material palette rooted in Mexican tradition

artisanal finishes are used throughout the design

earth-toned wall treatments add warmth and texture

an olive green spiral staircase connects the floors

barrel vaults give the building a recognizable silhouette

project info:

name: Mariano Azuela 194
architect: Bloqe arquitectura | @bloqe.arquitectura

location: Mariano Azuela 194, Santa Maria La Ribera, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico

area: 1283 sqm

structural design: Strukto

landscape design: Colectivo MP2 | @colectivomp2

photographer: ESPACIOS – Andres Cedillo | @_andrescedillo

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom

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