New way to discover the species. National Pavilion of Biodiversity by Fernanda Ahumada + FREE

Project description by Fernanda Ahumada + FREE

The National Biodiversity Pavilion is a new space for UNAM, located in the cultural corridor of Ciudad Universitaria. The project was born in order to grow and preserve the archive of the Institute of Biology, as well as to create thematic laboratories for the scientific study of the largest collection of dead species in Latin America.

The project responds to different directives. Conceptually, the architectural party proposes a radial scheme that arises from the interpretation of the Tree of Life and the idea that each living being is connected. The stairs, located in the center of the building, represent the double helix of DNA, the molecule that contains the genetic information of all living beings and from which each of the species on the planet arises. Architecturally, the staircase located at the epicenter of the building is the element that connects the different spaces of the pavilion. The routes to the exhibition rooms, the archive, and the laboratories emanate from it, forming a radial plant that represents the infinite possibilities of biodiversity. In material terms, the glass façade with aluminum and the base made of local stone allows it to be directly linked to the site.


National Pavilion of Biodiversity by Fernanda Ahumada + FREE. Photograph by César Belio.

The pavilion, with more than eleven thousand square meters of construction, has exhibition halls and multimedia rooms, a digital library, offices, a sheltered area, and laboratories, all distributed on three levels with a radial arrangement.

In the plan, each level has three rings. The first ring is intended for the public program and starts from the center with vertical circulation and permanent exhibitions. The subsequent ring is for private use and protects the collections. The last ring protects the rest of the program and is located on the edge of the façade, corresponding to the spaces for specialized consultation, laboratories, and curatorship offices. This mix of areas on each floor allows for an interaction between the temporary and permanent users of the building. The circular plan was used to achieve two main objectives, on the one hand, to unite all the spaces through a single vertical core, and on the other, to create 360-degree panoramic views of the natural landscape through its façade that opens and closes. in waveform according to the specific needs of the program.


National Pavilion of Biodiversity by Fernanda Ahumada + FREE. Photograph by César Belio.

One of the great challenges was the distribution of the archives of the four collections of the institute —mammals, reptiles, fish, and birds— due to the large number of square meters that had to be allocated. Each collection was strategically located to meet climate, shelter, and future growth needs. For its correct operation, there are high-density compactors for storage, these are planted on metal rails that move to store the largest number of species in the least possible space. In addition, we propose an orthogonal structure within the circular plan with the intention of optimizing the shelter areas and allowing future growth.

You access the building from a stepped esplanade that seeks the stay of visitors and connects with the cultural corridor; The largest exhibition area and three of the four collections together with laboratories are located on this floor. Level one is characterized by being the most closed according to the technical requirements; one of the collections, the molecular biology laboratory, the auditorium, and the administrative offices are located here. Ultimately, the lower level responds to the unevenness of the land, it contains the spaces of greatest public use, such as the store, the cafeteria, and the digital library; By locating these areas here, the direct view of the quarry is taken advantage of, while at the same time generating a calm and introspective atmosphere. In addition, the privileged location of the site, immersed in the university cultural corridor, added spaces for dissemination of the program, with the aim of awakening the interest of visitors in scientific careers.


National Pavilion of Biodiversity by Fernanda Ahumada + FREE. Photograph by César Belio.

As for its facades, the lower level functions as a showcase for endemic biodiversity by directly integrating views into the natural space that surrounds the building. The two upper levels have a double façade made of glass and multi-perforated aluminum that allows for controlled views and unfolding response to the lighting and ventilation needs of the interior spaces. The result is a façade made up of thousands of 30x20 cm aluminum modules that move along with the wind, a movement that is generated as a result of the climatic conditions of the site and that alludes to its importance in the evolution and permanence of the biodiversity, which causes a living façade. The basement of the building is built from the quarry, a volcanic stone that is the most characteristic element of local biodiversity, the result of the Xitle explosion that gave the Pedregal area its name and where the University City is located. It should be noted that for the construction of these walls, the same stone that was removed for the foundation was used.

The project is summarized as a fusion between public and private spaces, where the temporary user can live with what is exposed, but also with the site, thus awakening the concern of all that is behind the study and conservation of species.