Connecting Self-Produced Environments: Simón Díaz Center

2010

Project Lead:

Ignacio Cardona

Team:

Stephanie Batikoff, Ana Armas, Anil Ramakrishna, Caterina Conte

Consultants:

Ignacio Marcano, Self-Produced Environments; Eloy Boulton, Structure; Víctor Sánchez Taffur, Graphic Design; Francisco Pernía, Rendering

Client:

Metropolitan Municipality of Caracas

Location:

Petare, Caracas, Venezuela

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The project integrates the Simón Díaz Center with the surrounding self-produced environments of Petare, positioning architecture and public space as a hinge between different elevations. A system of pedestrian connections, gardens, and public spaces converges around a former septic tank transformed into a plaza and viewing balcony overlooking the valley.

Working with slopes, vegetation, and shade structure courtyards, promenades, gathering spaces, and programs. Conceived in five phases, the proposal begins with Urban Links connecting the building with surrounding self-produced neighborhoods and extends toward an intermodal transportation terminal, using connectivity and public space to overcome physical fragmentation and strengthen relationships across the territory.