Alumnos47 Mobile Library

PRODUCTORA is a budding architecture studio with its headquarters in Mexico City, founded by architects from different countries: Abel Perles from Argentina, Wonne Ickx from Belgium, and Carlos Bedoya and Víctor Jaime from Mexico.

Shortly after its beginnings in 2006, the studio came together with the curator Ruth Estévez to bring to life LIGA, Space for Architecture. LIGA was designed as a space for the promotion and exchange of ideas on contemporary architecture through exhibitions, lectures and workshops.

Following a career path that is unique in the Mexican context, PRODUCTORA’s work connects with international currents without losing sight of the local tradition. The studio has developed a wide variety of designs in Mexico and abroad, from residential projects to public buildings and corporate spaces. In 2008, they were selected to participate in the project Ordos100, an initiative curated by Ai Weiwei and Herzog & de Meuron. In addition to winning numerous national and international competitions, their work has been recognized by the Young Architects Forum (2007) and with the Emerging Voices award (2013), both from the Architectural League of New York.

This issue of 2G is the first monograph that compiles the work by this Mexican studio. The publication also includes three introductory texts about their work, written by the Spanish architect Jesús Vassallo, Kersten Geers (from the Belgian studio OFFICE Kersten Geers David Van Severen) and Mark Lee (from the California-based studio Jonhston Marklee) as well as an interview by Mario Ballesteros held with the Mexican studio to discuss the LIGA project.

Interior of the Library ( Photo © : Luis Gallardo )

This library strives to be more than just a library on wheels. Since traditional arrangements of bookshelves can eliminate spatial flexibility and create visual barriers, the books were placed at a high level. The space created is dynamic, transparent and in constant dialogue with the urban context; the open platform enables different activities to take place in various configurations for book launches, readings or workshops.

The books are sheltered under the opaque roof of the lorry and produce a colorful frieze, a visual element that provides character and significance to the interior space. Movable platforms give access to the bookshelves and can be arranged in different configurations, with the books serving as a stage. Inside, the metal frames are perceived as a rhythm of openings with space for up to 1,500 books.

The 26 doors set up a dynamic link between interior and exterior, encourage the public to come in, allow flexibility and are a metaphor for the infinite possibilities the library offers. Outside it appears to be a light transparent filigree holding up a solid volume.