CHARCAS COMMUNITY CENTER- grupo mexico

The Charcas Community Center in Charcas-Grupo Mexico, San Luis Potosí, restores and expands a heritage-listed building in a remote mining town to create a multifunctional space that fosters social interaction, education, and cultural engagement. The project consists of three main structures: the Góngora Building, restored for classrooms, a library, and offices; a new building for workshops and cultural activities; and a multipurpose hall for large gatherings. The design balances historical preservation, environmental sustainability, and social integration, incorporating bioclimatic strategies, local materials, and open public spaces that encourage interaction. Constructive innovations include a new continuous roof for natural light and ventilation, insulated double-block walls for thermal efficiency, and a wood and metal roofing system that respects local architecture while ensuring durability.

Recognition & Impact

• First Prize for Private Institutional Architecture

• First Prize in the Space Conversion Category – 2024 Noldi Schreck Awards

• Finalist at the 2024 Interceramic Awards

• Finalist at the XIII Ibero-American Biennial of Architecture and Urbanism (BIAU Climas 2024), selected from 879 submissions across 20+ countries.

By blending heritage conservation with contemporary design, the project serves as a model for sustainable social architecture, offering a resilient and inclusive space for Charcas’ future.