Architecture studio Fernanda Canales has created a semi-open community centre for the elderly in Mexico, using a circular form and simple materials
The House for the Elderly is located in Neco, in the border state of Sonora, an arid environment with social and economic problems related to cross-border smuggling. It has been shortlisted in the health and wellbeing category of the 2024 Dezeen Awards.
Fernanda Canales has designed a circular community centre in Sonora
The federal government initiated the 450-square-foot (42-square-metre) structure, which was designed to be welcoming for elderly community members who can access various health and social services there.
Because of limited local resources, the Fernanda Canales team opted to use simple materials with minimal finishes to create an economical project that can be maintained easily and locally. It was built using simple, local materials
Located on a small, angular plot, the project consists of two primary structures ? one circular and one rectangular.
"This responds to the desire to make the most of the plot's angular geometry and avoid residual spaces," said the team.
"Thus, the centerpiece is the circular building, located in the widest part of the plot, and the small rectangular block serves as a second access and transition zone to generate different gradients between the public, semi-public, and private."
A series of oculi bring light to the outdoor circulation spaces
The circular structure ha...