Credit: Ana Hop

The Design Center is a platform that stimulates dialogue and knowledge; its main objective is to promote cultural and creative expression in Mexico
– Héctor Esrawe

Mexican architecture practice Esrawe Studio have designed a minimalist warehouse and showroom for natural materials distributor Grupo Arca in Guadalajara, Mexico.

Grupo Arca supplies architects, designers and construction companies with natural and raw materials from all over the world. The company has four collections of natural stone, tiles and other building materials – Mármoles Arca, Prato 33, The Woodshop and Brix – which are displayed at the new showroom.

Called the “Design Center”, the 6,500 sq m building is inspired by ancient stone quarries and comprises a cafeteria, shop, library, multipurpose hall, and interior and exterior exhibition spaces.

“A quarry is the evidence of man’s action on nature,” said Esrawe's principal, Héctor Esrawe.

“This is a 'manufactured landscape'," he added, “an organic architecture created by the trace of the search for raw materials, which brings us back to the origins of the company.”

The focal point of the structure is a travertine-clad public area for speaking events termed the "Agora”.

According to the architects, the Agora, which connects visitors to the centre's retail and display areas, has a “museographic character”, serving primarily to educate customers about modern architecture.

Esrawe explained: “The Agora promotes learning and helps others to understand why and how architecture, design, art, and culture are generated in Mexico and worldwide.”

Other members of the project team included CDM Casas De México – the building contractor – and PAAR Paisaje Arquitectura.