Article source: BEALS LYON ARQUITECTOS

The new City Hall in Nancagua, a small rural town in Central Chile, aims to create a space able to accommodate various public situations and events. Because of its location, close to an old public park and to several historical buildings, it also makes possible the recovery and enhancement of the local heritage, both natural and manmade.

The project, winner of a public competition, focuses not on the construction of an iconic volume, but rather on the creation of a memorable and public void that effectively connects the city with the valuable, but previously overlooked public park. As with other spaces with a high civic spirit, like the agora of Assos in Greece or the Piazza San Marco in Venice, the project emphasizes the construction of a void over the construction of isolated buildings. Spaces with a public void is created and “charged” so that it becomes a catalyst for public life.

Image Courtesy © Felipe Fontecilla

• Architects: BEALS LYON ARQUITECTOS
• Project: New City Hall
• Location: Nancagua, VI Región. Chile
  
• Photography: Felipe Fontecilla
  
• Client: Municipalidad de Nancagua
• Lead Architects: Loreto Lyon, Alejandro Beals
• Design Team: Philip Zurman, Alessandra Dal Mos
• Structural Engineer: B y B Ingeniería
• Landscaping: Beals Lyon Arquitectos
  
• Areas: 2.700 m2 + 4.500 m2 public square
  
• Construction Year: 2016

(more…)