Empowering Communities: Ruiz Community Development Center in Mexico

A Multifunctional Haven for Marginalized Communities

The Ruiz Community Development Center, designed by bgp arquitectura and completed in 2021, stands as a beacon in a highly marginalized area in Mexico. With a primary focus on addressing educational, legal, and medical needs, along with providing a communal dining space, the center doubles as a distribution point for essential supplies during natural disasters.

Strategic Design for Community Well-being

The project strategically organizes its space into three parallel volumes with an East-West orientation. This not only minimizes direct sun exposure on the facades but also reduces heat gain. The single-level distribution ensures universal accessibility, emphasizing inclusivity in its design.

Local Craftsmanship and Economic Support

Throughout the construction, the use of handcrafted bricks produced locally plays a pivotal role in supporting the regional economy. Exposed as finished walls, these bricks not only contribute to the aesthetic but also significantly cut down on construction and maintenance costs over the years. Concrete reinforcement elements seamlessly integrate with brick coverings, maintaining visual continuity across surfaces.

Robust Construction for Longevity

The floors, constructed with exposed concrete, form part of a unified structural foundation slab. Catalan vaults, also crafted in brick, serve as the ceiling, protected by a superior concrete slab. This meticulous construction approach safeguards the bricks from deterioration and weathering, ensuring the longevity of the Ruiz Community Center.

Community-Centric Services

Situated in a remote mountainous area, far from major cities, the center serves as a vital supplier point for essential goods and services. Beyond its everyday role, it acts as a refuge for those facing domestic violence, offering support during emergencies and risks. The center includes a first-contact medical clinic, catering to the diverse needs of the community.

Inclusive Construction for Sustainable Impact

In a conscious effort to involve the local community, the construction process and materials were selected to allow the inhabitants to actively participate. This involvement extends to supplying materials or contributing to the building’s construction, fostering economic benefits for the town. The Ruiz Community Development Center emerges not only as a symbol of social support but also as a catalyst for economic empowerment in the region.