Mexico – The Inflatable Museum by Estudio 3.14

The inflatable traveling museum designed by Estudio 3.14

The aim to convey the national cultural heritage to young people has led the Ministry of Culture of Jalisco – a state on the Pacific coast of Mexico – to commission the Mexican architectural office Estudio 3.14 the design of a traveling pavilion to be installed in various elementary schools of the country.

The educational program, curated by Susana Chavez and Ericka Blanco, directors of the museum and the interpretation center of the Pre-Hispanic site of Guachimontones respectively, envisaged the creation of a traveling exhibition aimed to illustrate the Teuchitlan Pre-Columbian culture to children.

In order to keep construction costs down, and to facilitate delivery and installation of the pavilion in school courtyards, the architects decided to design an inflatable structure.
The pavilion, with its soft and playful appearance, introduces a surprising element that transforms the surrounding space. Inside, its curvilinear shape creates a spatial sequence the young visitors discover step by step. The conceptual and formal reference is that of the Tianguis, the traditional open-air market that, once a week, brings liveliness and animation to the Mexican neighborhoods, like the pavilion spreads the cultural identity of a nation.

The exhibition was conceived to create an ideal itinerary across the Región Valles, the area where the Teuchitlan culture developed. An introductory film opens the exhibition, which is composed of large images directly printed on the walls, educational games, full-scale figures, audiovisuals, artifacts, and tools related to agriculture, craft, and everyday life.

The Guachimontones Inflatable Museum awards:

German Design Award, Winner of the Exhibition Design category
Young Architects Biennale of Mexico, Special Mention
Jalisco Biennale of Architecture, Recognition
FX Interior Design Awards, Shortlisted

Ministry of Culture of Jalisco
Susana Chávez Brandon, Museum and Exhibitions Director
Ericka Blanco Morales, “Phil Weighand” Guachimontones Interpretative Center Director

Design:
Estudio 3.14 – https://e314.mx/
Gerardo Sánchez Sendra, Executive Director
Leonardo Díaz Borioli, Creative Director
Norberto Miranda Feldhahn, Cultural Projects Director, Concept author and developer, Exhibition Designer
David Saracco,  Project Manager,  Production Manager, Designer, Illustrator.

All images, courtesy of Estudio 3.14
Photo Credit, David Corona and Cintia Durán (c) Estudio Pi S.C.