estudio MMX infuses new geology museum in mexico with mayan architecture references

estudio MMX infuses new geology museum in mexico with mayan architecture references

Progreso Museum of Geology by Estudio MMX

 

Designed by Estudio MMX, the new Geology Museum in the town of Progreso, on the coast of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, is entirely covered in chukum, a natural finish of Mayan origin. Composed of multiple structures, corridors, gardens, and fountains, the ensemble combines the ideas of Mayan architecture with the colonial heritage of urban design, while light, shadow, and vegetation blend in to create a rich experiential character. 

 

‘The museum consciously synthesizes local Mayan knowledge with contemporary architectural approaches, thus generating a new identifiable and appropriable public space for the people of Progreso.’ shares the Mexican studio

estudio MMX infuses new geology museum in mexico with mayan architecture references
the Progreso Museum of Geology takes shape as a square composed of multiple structures, corridors, gardens

all images courtesy of Dane Alonso

 

 

a ‘cultural element and public space’ in a single project

 

The new Geology Museum by Estudio MMX is conceived as a ‘cultural element and public space’ in a single project. The result sees an enclosed square arranged on the sides of a central corridor, through which visitors can both access the interior spaces and traverse the site accompanied by gardens and fountains. Two large elevated gardens flank the corners of the square, allowing one to walk down the slopes and enjoy new views at different heights. The use of triangular shapes is evident throughout the complex, in the form of cutouts and large skylights that help illuminate the semi-open structure. Light, shadow, and vegetation shine through, giving the plaza a new character that recalls Mayan architecture and the city’s colonial heritage.

 

The museum, which occupies the southeast corner of the square, consists of eight exhibition volumes that can be subdivided into two larger zones. One houses the permanent exhibition, while the other serves as a multipurpose space where various events and temporary exhibitions can be held. Adjacent to both volumes are offices, a space for research and catalog rooms, and a storage area. The materiality of the museum, which is entirely covered with chukum, ‘a natural finish of Mayan origin’ as the architects call it, ensures its durability and low maintenance costs.

estudio MMX infuses new geology museum in mexico with mayan architecture references
the museum synthesizes local Mayan knowledge with contemporary architectural approaches

estudio MMX infuses new geology museum in mexico with mayan architecture references
visitors can cross the premises through promenades with gardens and fountains

estudio MMX infuses new geology museum in mexico with mayan architecture references
light, shadow and vegetation accompanies the visitors who walk through the ensemble

estudio MMX infuses new geology museum in mexico with mayan architecture references
the structure is entirely covered in chukum, a natural finish of Mayan origin

progreso-museum-geology-estudio-mmx-designboom-full

estudio MMX infuses new geology museum in mexico with mayan architecture references
triangular cutouts draw natural light in

 

 

project info: 

 

name: Progreso Museum of Geology
architects: Estudio MMX | @estudiommx
project team:
Diego González, Fernanda Hinojosa, Francisco Martínez, Lorena Nuñez, Armando Palacios

location: Progreso, Yucatán, Mexico
photography: Dane Alonso | @dane.alonso

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