IK Lab: Eco-Inspired Gallery in Mexico

Designed by Jorge Eduardo Neira Serkel, IK Lab introduces a unique art gallery concept to the vibrant city of Tulum, Mexico. Founded by Santiago Rumney Guggenheim, a descendant of the Guggenheim family and a local resident, the gallery offers a refreshing departure from traditional art exhibition spaces.

Innovative Design

Situated within Neira Sterkel’s upscale eco-resort Azulik, IK Lab embraces an unconventional approach to gallery design. Unlike the typical white cube galleries, IK Lab features undulating cement surfaces that seamlessly blend into overhead pathways and leaf-shaped podiums. The use of bejuco, a vine-like plant native to the region, adds organic elements to the space, filling in areas not covered by the waves of cement and creating circular openings in the slatted walls and ceiling.

Immersive Experience

Visitors to IK Lab are encouraged to explore the space barefoot, allowing them to experience the tactile textures of the built environment firsthand. The cement walls of the gallery serve as effective sound barriers, muting external noises and enhancing the immersive experience. Any sounds generated within the gallery are echoed and amplified, creating ambient auditory effects that complement the architectural design.

Conclusion

IK Lab represents a bold and innovative approach to art exhibition spaces, combining avant-garde design with ecological sensitivity. By embracing natural materials and incorporating elements of the surrounding environment, IK Lab offers visitors a unique sensory experience that goes beyond traditional gallery settings. With its commitment to sustainability and immersive design, IK Lab stands as a testament to the limitless possibilities of architectural creativity in the realm of art.