Plantando Semillas Community Center / Taller ACÁ

Plantando Semillas Community Center / Taller ACÁ - Exterior Photography, Windows, FacadePlantando Semillas Community Center / Taller ACÁ - Exterior Photography, Facade, WindowsPlantando Semillas Community Center / Taller ACÁ - Interior PhotographyPlantando Semillas Community Center / Taller ACÁ - Interior Photography, Table, WindowsPlantando Semillas Community Center / Taller ACÁ - More Images+ 18

Ciudad de Guatemala, Guatemala
  • Architects: Taller ACÁ
  • Area Area of this architecture project Area:  460
  • Year Completion year of this architecture project Year:  2023
  • Photographs
    Photographs:William Cuc
  • Lead Architects: Jorge Villatoro, Hans Schwarz Bassila, Luis Pedro García-Salas, Carlos Mendizábal
  • Collaborators: Planting Seeds International, Colaborativo Plantando Semillas, Edgar Suret - Albañilería comunidad, Gaspar Chumil - Carpintería comunidad
  • Permits And License : Marlon Hernández
  • Furniture Donations: Club Rotario Guatemala Vista Hermosa
  • Ground Works: Grupo PHI
  • Structural Engineering: BASE - Ing. Andrés García
  • Hydro Sanitary Installation: CC Desarrollos - Be Water
  • Construction: CPM - Construction Project Management
  • Program: Community Center
  • City: Ciudad de Guatemala
  • Country: Guatemala
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Plantando Semillas Community Center / Taller ACÁ - Exterior Photography, Windows, Cityscape
© William Cuc
Plantando Semillas Community Center / Taller ACÁ - Image 15 of 23
Diagrams

Text description provided by the architects. Immersed in an informal context and located near the municipal landfill of Guatemala City, a project with human character promoted by the organization Planting Seeds International for the transformation of the environment stands up, a place for families in the community conceived as a dignified space to be and grow.

Plantando Semillas Community Center / Taller ACÁ - Exterior Photography, Windows, Facade
© William Cuc
Plantando Semillas Community Center / Taller ACÁ - Image 16 of 23
Ground floor plan

It is the result of active collaboration between Planting Seeds International and the community, materializing a space designed to be a catalyst for social and personal growth. Through participatory workshops, different aspects were explored: from understanding the characteristics of the area and mapping areas with potential and vulnerability to defining user profiles, programmatic needs, and material selection. The design evolved through three essential phases: Knowing, in which the context was understood; Designing, in which spaces were shaped and key elements were defined; and Validating, in which the proposals were confirmed. 

Plantando Semillas Community Center / Taller ACÁ - Exterior Photography, Brick, Facade, Windows
© William Cuc
Plantando Semillas Community Center / Taller ACÁ - Image 17 of 23
First floor plan
Plantando Semillas Community Center / Taller ACÁ - Exterior Photography, Windows, Brick, Facade
© William Cuc
Plantando Semillas Community Center / Taller ACÁ - Image 21 of 23
Section A

Its brick architecture, volumetry, and spaces adapt to the morphology of the terrain, and the structure of the building encompasses a multifunctional program of different mezzanines. The first one houses a small office next to a versatile space that adapts to various activities. On the second level, there is a classroom, a dance room, and a playroom, designed to enrich the educational and recreational experience. The third level contains a multi-purpose court, providing a space for sports and social activities.

Plantando Semillas Community Center / Taller ACÁ - Exterior Photography, Windows, Facade
© William Cuc
Plantando Semillas Community Center / Taller ACÁ - Image 22 of 23
Elevation A
Plantando Semillas Community Center / Taller ACÁ - Exterior Photography, Facade, Windows
© William Cuc

The choice of materials was a collective decision. The combination of clay brick, concrete, and the color green was determined in conjunction with the community. The brick, a local material, stood out for its durability, low cost, and minimal maintenance requirements. The expanded metal sheet, on the other hand, facilitates ventilation on the upper level and takes advantage of panoramic views of the sports court.

Plantando Semillas Community Center / Taller ACÁ - Interior Photography, Handrail
© William Cuc
Plantando Semillas Community Center / Taller ACÁ - Image 19 of 23
Second floor plan
Plantando Semillas Community Center / Taller ACÁ - Interior Photography
© William Cuc

The true magnitude of this project lies in how the community has taken ownership of it. This appropriation has created a sense of local belonging, turning the Community Center into more than just a building. It is a living testimony of how architecture can transcend its physical function and become a symbol of unity, learning, and progress within the community.

Plantando Semillas Community Center / Taller ACÁ - Interior Photography, Table, Windows
© William Cuc
Plantando Semillas Community Center / Taller ACÁ - Image 20 of 23
Third floor plan
Plantando Semillas Community Center / Taller ACÁ - Exterior Photography, Windows, Cityscape
© William Cuc

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Project location

Address:zona 7, Cdad. de Guatemala, Guatemala

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Location to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.
About this office
Cite: "Plantando Semillas Community Center / Taller ACÁ" [Centro Comunitario Plantando Semillas / Taller ACÁ] 10 Nov 2023. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1009565/plantando-semillas-community-center-taller-aca> ISSN 0719-8884

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