“In Puerto Rico, since natives inhabited the island, there has been a tradition of “working the land and
living from it”. Different tools and ornaments were crafted to work the land an served a number of religious
rituals which were later inherited by the population. An artisan does not differ much from native Taíno,
they both work hard and earn living from their crafts that express the aesthetics, needs, believes
and religious practices of the society. This Cultural Center promotes the artisan culture and provides a
space where multi-generational users can learn about Puertorican culture, share, and engage with craftmaking, keeping it alive for generations to come.
living from it”. Different tools and ornaments were crafted to work the land an served a number of religious
rituals which were later inherited by the population. An artisan does not differ much from native Taíno,
they both work hard and earn living from their crafts that express the aesthetics, needs, believes
and religious practices of the society. This Cultural Center promotes the artisan culture and provides a
space where multi-generational users can learn about Puertorican culture, share, and engage with craftmaking, keeping it alive for generations to come.
Diagram of the existing building structure. Some architectural changes were applied to the building due to code and egress requirements, and aesthetic purposes. Those changes are not covered in detail during the presentation of the design due to limitations on the project's program.
Human Scale.
Model of the three first levels of the exhisting building. To the right, four concept models. From bottom to top; Connection, expression, layering, and a combination of the three representing their spatial relationship.
Concept
First Floor
Second Floor
Entry, Indigenous Craft Exhibit
View of the reception towards the entry on Earle Street.
Children's Exhibit
Gift Shop "Remembranzas"
Café " Mi Terruño"
Festival Exhibit
Final Board
