El Eco Museum Extension / LAR + FRENTE

Architects: LAR / Fernando Romero + FRENTE / Juan Pablo Maza
Location: Colonia San Rafael, México City, Mexico
Project Team: Gonzalo Elizarraras, David Ortega, Estefanía Hoth, Karla Aragón, Miriam Gutierrez, Mariel de la Torre, Dolores Robles, Eduardo Sosa, Luis Fuentes, Luis Flores, Gerardo Galicia, Ana Medina, Abril Tovar, Diego Jasso, Santiago Trejo, Edgar Rodríguez, Omar Félix, Susana Hernández
Client: UNAM (Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México)
Project Area: 329 sqm
Design Year: 2006
Construction Year: 2007
Photographs: Alvaro Capistrán, Fidel Ugarte, Jorge Silva, Juan Carlos Polanco

The experimental museum “El Eco”, developed by Mathías Goeritz in 1952, is one of the most significant and emblematic buildings of the twentieth century in Mexico.

In 2005 the museum was restored by the UNAM, and in 2006 a contest was called for an annex building to contain its complementary services.

The winning proposal designed by LAR and FRENTE, is a careful exercise of integration with the original construction and dignifies the Eco Museum.

The project is notable for its discreet and respectful attitude towards the existing building while retaining a contemporary character.

The “L” form building is situated between two trapezoidal patios, the main one opens to the street and the second one is an interior patio.

The ground floor has a multiple activities room, workshop and storage room. The upper floor has offices, dinning room and washroom.