Project description by jury

This transformation project turns the problem of dismantling a zoo into an opportunity to create a more environmentally aware consciousness in Mendoza. The design reconverts the area formerly occupied by a zoo that closed in 2019 into the site’s original morphology and landscape without imposing a new or too distinctive language. The new park articulates itself around a series of thematic paths (sports circuit, native culture circuit, recycling circuit etc.), along which different activities or temporary events take place. This results in a recreational public space that is deployed to bring a universal message of respect towards both people and nature. In so doing, the project becomes the container of sustainability practices and the place par excellence in the region where awareness around these themes can be enhanced. 

Five separate volumes that house eating and cultural facilities integrate into the natural slopes of the area. Covered by green terraces, they achieve minimal visual and land impact. The reconversion of the site is expected to be carried out by the local workforce, which would help strengthen the regional economy.

Jury appraisal

How to deal with the future of zoos has become an urgent question in many regions of the world – due to both an increased public consciousness about the importance of conserving the natural world, combined with a radical mindset change on the related preservation modalities. The Holcim Awards jury Latin America appreciated the way this paradigm shift is interpreted by the project which proposes the reuse of the former structure for multiple educational and recreational purposes. Landscape is voluntarily undefined and the boundaries between human space and wilderness can become blurred to accentuate how nature can reclaim its place and reconnect with people. The park is a place for the community where knowledge and sustainability practices can be shared, taught and learned.