Student Design / Build in Tapachula, Mexico w/ Taller Ken and the Estación Cultural Collective in Summer 2021

This past summer I had the opportunity to be part of a non-profit initiative by a group of architecture students from the Spitzer School of Architecture at City College. My colleagues and I helped design and build an open-air theater on the southern border of Tapachula, Mexico supported by the architecture firm Taller Ken and the Estación Cultural Collective. The project’s goal is to support the local and migrant communities within the region and help heal cultural divides through work, art, and play by means of a multi-use platform that provides space for activities ranging from folkloric dancing, theater, movies, reading area and a playground underneath. One of the greatest takeaways from the Estación Cultural Theater project was learning about the PEMEX Workshop where people from different countries, many of them from the Northern triangle, collaborated with the collective and us to make the theater a reality. The collaboration within such diversity and expertise from the volunteers, really works to reconfigure the wrong vision of "migration" in the south border of Tapachula Mx by providing different workshops with tools and activities like carpentry, ironwork, bamboo carving, electronics and others. Without their help, and the help of the many donors and sponsors, Teatro Estación Cultural wouldn’t have been the same.

Together as a team, we collaborated in the design and construction phases, procured local craftsmanship and volunteer support. Helped manage meetings with governmental entities, the collective, the college of architects, artisans, fabricators, and distributors. My contribution to the project was mainly focused on problem-solving detailed metal and woodworking setbacks as well as overseeing fabricated elements of the theater. It was an incredible experience to be able to take off the cap of the architect/designer and be able to actually listen, share stories, and problem solve with the metal, wood and masonry workers. I’m Incredibly proud of what my comrades and I have been able accomplish along with the Estación Cultural Collective. Throughout each new problem and adversity we encountered, the perseverance and support of the team, the faculty, and the locals helped us aspire to build more than just another architectural intervention. It helped us build a culture of care crafted through meaningful Tactical Urbanism. 

Student Team Members included:

  • Sam Richman - Graduated

  • Liza Otto - Graduated

  • Pedro Cruz

  • Christian Coronel - Graduated

  • Deirdre Nolan

  • Brittany Gray - Graduated

  • David Ruiz

  • Florence Methot - Graduated

Photos and Summary Contributed by CCNY SSA Student Pedro Cruz


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