Center for Artistic Expressions

Universidad de Lima

Project idea

The aim is to mitigate the urban issue by proposing an urban-architectural intervention on a block located near the Historic Center of Lima. The scenario involves creating public spaces and densifying uses by proposing a public building that contributes to stimulating activity both from and towards the immediate surroundings.

Taking this into account, the proposal outlines a new axis starting from the location of the new public building, crossing the Historic Center of Lima, and ending with the Special Landscape Project of the Rímac River (PEPRR). The intervention is intended to be part of a cultural and connectivity axis linking a series of public spaces in the surrounding area.

Additionally, different cultural spaces in the district were analyzed, where it was observed that most of them are dispersed and there is no project that concentrates these types of spaces.

Project description

We begin by analyzing and identifying part of the built environment, which consists of buildings of historical significance for the architecture of this area of the Cercado: the Palace of Justice, the Roosevelt House, the Civic Center, and the Sheraton Hotel.

Additionally, the urban setting in which the block is immersed is also made up of distinguishable public spaces in downtown Lima. On one hand, oriented towards an inter-district scale, there is the Naval Heroes Promenade, a space located at the extension of Av. Paseo de la República. It is quite wide but has inadequate conditions for staying, and paradoxically, it is used by folklore dance groups. On the opposite side of the block, on a more local scale, is Plazuela Aramburú, which has spaces for staying but is perceived as an unsafe space at certain times of the day.

In terms of accessibility, the intervened block is located next to the central station of the Metropolitano, which significantly expands the reach of the project as it is connected to the different districts served by this transport system. Given the block's condition and considering the Metropolitano running beneath the Naval Heroes Promenade, it is proposed that the project on its first level and in the basement could connect with the access points to the central station.

After analyzing the potential of the area and thoroughly exploring various strategies, the proposal for a public building was developed to promote and complement the cultural development of the community.

This initiative arises in response to the previously identified need to create public spaces and public facilities that integrate the different artistic and cultural areas, which are currently scattered throughout the district.

The intervention aims to increase the population density of the block, densify uses to optimize land occupancy, and make efficient use of the public services available in this new scenario. Considering the existing uses in the area and their compatibility, a new zoning for the block is proposed, including housing, commerce, and hospitality, which can help organize and consolidate the volumetric unity of the block while complementing the creation of the public cultural building.

The proposal for the public space begins on the first level, where the intervention of Plazuela Aramburú achieves the integration of a large open space where people can engage in activities such as dance, temporary fairs, and events. On the roof level, there is also a treatment for the terraces where the pathway from the first level rises to different levels, creating a stepped effect. The terraces are completely public, with exterior circulation that invites people to enter the project areas, offering various views towards the Naval Heroes Promenade.

The proposed program includes cultural zones with artistic workshops for the community, such as dance, body expression, painting, and sculpture workshops. There are also exhibition areas, both public and private, spread across all levels. Additionally, it features an auditorium on the top level and a library on intermediate levels, with reading areas for both children and adults. The project also includes commercial spaces such as restaurants, food outlets, cafes, and administrative areas.

Inside, spatiality was explored. Emphasis was placed on exhibition spaces by incorporating double-height areas that rise in an alternating manner. As previously mentioned, the top level houses the auditorium, in a volume suspended above the stairs on the first level.

The architectural design seeks to revitalize the local cultural identity, which, due to its unique location, has an inter-district reach.

Through the integration of architectural elements and the implementation of safe spaces, the project aims to strengthen the social fabric by providing meeting places and spaces for cultural celebration. It offers flexible spaces for daily events, regular activities, and festivities. The cultural character of the project is designed to encourage cultural expression and the exchange of ideas, extending from the building to the urban space.

Technical information

The building is composed of a metal structure that facilitates the spatiality and cantilevers proposed in the project, with slabs made of collaboration material and ceramic finishes, while the walls are made of a lighter material, drywall.

The facade is composed of a double skin with rhythmic modulation, made of Corten steel. The modulation has three distinct phases and aims to generate varying light inputs according to the spaces. The workshops and library, being spaces with higher light intake, are followed by areas with more controlled light, such as the exhibition spaces and reading areas, and finally, limited light input for more private spaces like the auditorium.

This material connects with the urban furniture of the public space and also includes components that allow for low maintenance and long durability in outdoor environments.