La Mariposa
OAXACA, 2018
La Mariposa
Although we had a few students from Oaxaca Universities join us over the years, this was our first official collaboration with UABJO (Universidad Autónoma Benito Juárez de Oaxaca). Twelve students and three professors from the school joined RAW to design and build the butterfly bench in a three day workshop at La Mesita.
The concrete construction is a balance of form and technological expression, where floating benches test the limits of material and subtle shifts in angles respond to human use. Located at the edge of the plateau to capture views to the valley below, it was quickly determined that a simple shade structure would be a great addition to the plan. Learning from, and respond to, the unique qualities of the site is unique to the design/build experience, where quick mock-ups lead to quick design feedback. After a quick study of sun angles and likely time of usage, the location and size was determined. Local materials - wooden poles, Carrizo and wire - were gathered quickly near the site to complete the project.