We create exciting designs based on the circular economy, through a creative workshop of constant search and experimentation, made up of a collaborative team.
Atelier = A workshop or studio, specially one used by an artist or a designer.
It’s not unusual that we see or use a space without really noticing what´s the intent behind it or what happened that made us use it in a certain way.
Behind every project there are infinite factors that define the “user experience”. Sometimes they`re tangible but many, many times they are intangible to us. There isn’t always a straight line when it comes to the process and the genesis of a project. Specially because there are several variables, from the setting and the clients, to the common exploration of the co-creative process.
Still, there is a constant creative search where, not just from architecture but from other disciplines as well, we approach an end result which will later turn into the architectonic piece itself. Beyond the trade and the science in architecture, there is Art. It’s a reflection of society, and there are several ways of channeling it. Our job is to be receptive to them, as well as to encourage their pursuit. The Atelier responds to this concept of perpetual exploration, process and evolution. It’s the physical space where multiple disciplines, stories and situations collide, catapulting us into an architecture that is more human and personalized, but strangely, also universal.
Since we are talking about art, we think of the architecture process as musical piece of pure improvisation.
We know the rules, we understand the parameters, and yet we start without really knowing the course or the result. To achieve this, we must have pure confidence and respect for the process, because it always leads to a unique and beautiful result.
Ultimately, we appreciate the experience this trade has given us, but we also very much value the result of the freedom that comes with the creative process. Evolution is constant, and every project is an instance in that progression. Each result is always better than the last since in evolution there is learning and mastery.
Nowadays, parametric technology has opened a world of possibilities before us. In addition to BIM documentation, we are managing a level of efficiency which allows us to keep exploring constantly.
The implementation of said technology at the service of design on the one hand, and to other ancestral trades on the other, creates unique, innovative, and simple results which would have resulted impossible even to dream about in the past.
Thus, the need for a constant exploration in techniques from different trades, also from mathematics and parametrization. Altogether, there are infinite new possibilities.
Both architecture and music influence our state on mind. They’re capable of producing unique emotions. That is no project without rhythm and structure, as there is no emotion without harmony or melody.
In the quest for emotion generators, there is a constant dance between music and architecture. Sometimes the answer comes one, and some from the other. We just have to explore and keep our senses wide open.
Music shows rhythm, silence, harmony, melody and fluidity. These notions are extremely valuable to architecture as tools for the design process.
Basically, by discussing these concepts we can see clearly how architecture and music both speak the very same language.
To listen to the composition process from musical optic: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4HMooDkAgGkywQJWViFBVs
The root of our work is always in relation with sustainability. An ideal which we conceive as a path, and not a goal itself. It’s pointless to create systems and buildings that are ultimately uninhabitable. Hence, we follow the path sustainability by incorporating habits driven by design to fuel life quality, not just from users, but for future generations.
In this day and age, we apply the concepts of ECONOMY and DURABILITY. How much does your building cost? How much does it last? How much does it consume? What impact does its construction imply?
Nature doesn’t know the concept of “trash”. What perishes, comes back to life in a different way. Said underrated concept has somehow been neglected by a society that has taken upon unsustainable ways.
Therefore, the challenge is to generate closed circuits which promote behaviors with the goal of reeducating its user’s ways of inhabiting a space. Of course, the incorporation of these ways is not just up to us as designer, but it’s something that must be discussed and agreed upon by the client as well.
Through this path we’re following, which we are completely convinced and passionate about, there lies and ideal beyond: Productive Architecture.
Many generations have passed on the notion that inhabiting implies consumption from a network and tossing what we don’t use away without really knowing how or why we do it. Once we manage to sort these obstacles in this analytical and repetitive process, we encounter ourselves with a new challenge, which is not just to stop depending on external services, but they should be generated inhouse.
Having reached to a point of no return, we must go from theory to action, meanwhile procuring that our project/ formal decisions satisfy the programs needs as best as possible.
Matias Mosquera
Founder, Director
Camila Gianicolo
Architect, partner
Milagros Vita
Administration and HR, partner
Francisco Gómez Paratcha
Architect
Cristian Grasso
Architect
Carolina Tobar
Architect
Marcelo Vita
Civil Engineer
Paulina Szabo
Architect
Dante Marinari
Architect
Maru de Elizalde
CFO
Jeff Arias
Architect
Matias Mosquera, Architect, musician, born in 1985 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, attended University of Buenos Aires.
From years 2011 to 2012, he was part of 3XN Design team in Denmark. After that, and through the year of 2020 he started BAM! Architecture along an associate partner, in which they achieved great acknowledgements on their work, including Architecture Biennials and other international organizations.
In the year of 2020, alongside a great team, he started AtelierM, where he furthered his work and exploration about architecture in different scales and regions, thus creating an avant-gard office.
Academically, he is currently teaching Architectural Design in the University of Buenos Aires, and has been doing so since 2018.
His work has been published in over 100 countries, and in several platforms, including Archdaily, Designboom, Dezeen, Clarin Arquitectura, Revista Trama, Living, Homify, Landscape Design, Casas Internacional, Arqa, 1:1, 30-60, Archilover, Architizer, Archello, Barzon, Detail, Design Milk, Catalogo Arquitectura.
2024 Exhibition "Arquitectura Intermedia", MARQ (Arg)
2023 Best Luxury Architect Studio in Argentina (NY)
2022 Golden Trezzini Awards (Rus), Honourable Mention, ZigZag
2022 Golden Trezzini Awards (Rus), Honourable Mention, MeCa
2022 Bienal Internacional de Arquitectura de Buenos Aires (Arg), Obra seleccionada, MeCa
2021 Golden Trezzini Awards (Rus), Special Mention, Shire
2021 Golden Trezzini Awards (Rus), Special Mention, MaTo
2019 Ranking Excelencia Profesional Clarín (Arg), Voces emergentes y generación intermedia. Sext place.
2017 Concurso Vivienda sustentable Puertos (Arg), First place.
2017 Bienal Internacional de Arquitectura de Buenos Aires (Arg), Finalist, MeMo.
2017 Bienal de Diseño Fadu, UBA (Arg), Finalist, MeMo.
2017 Archdaily, Building of the year (US), Finalist, MeMo.
2016 Ecoparque Interactivo (Arg), Honourable mention
2013 Concurso Impatec (Arg), First place
2011 Oficinas RRHH, GR (Arg), First place
2010 Pabellón Bicentenario, SCA (Arg), Honourable Mention
email
info@atelierm.ar
web
atelierm.ar
Social media
IG: @ateliermatiasmosquera
IN: ateliermm
Location
Juan José Díaz 594
San Isidro - PC: 1642 - Buenos Aires - Argentina
Location
Seoul, South Korea
Year
2024
Team
Matias Mosquera, Fernando Fritz, Camila Gianicolo, Cristian Grasso, Jeff Arias, Dante Marinari, Francisco Gomez Paratcha, Carolina Tobar
Beyond Sports:
A Sustainable Hub for Social Interaction and Urban Engagement
The proposed design for the multipurpose sports center and children’s park focuses on creating a space that serves as a hub for community interaction, centered around the concept of sports and active living. The goal is to provide an environment where various activities coexist and are visible to all users, promoting social connections and encouraging the community to engage with one another. This design is not merely a collection of sports facilities but a social integrator that brings together the neighborhood, the city, and nature, fostering a strong sense of belonging and unity.
The architectural vision is deeply rooted in integrating the built environment with the natural terrain, respecting the existing topography, and creating a seamless dialogue between the urban fabric and the natural landscape. Instead of modifying the site extensively, the project embraces the site’s inherent challenges, particularly the steep slope that runs across it. What might initially seem like a disadvantage is transformed into an opportunity to develop a terraced sports facility that cascades along the slope. This design approach not only preserves the site’s physiognomy but also enhances the visual connection among different activities, much like the traditional terraced fields in Korean mountains. This spatial arrangement allows for a dynamic interaction between various users, fostering a sense of openness, transparency, and inclusivity.
The building is envisioned as a vibrant, multi-layered space that maximizes social interaction. It offers a central access point that connects two distinct zones: one dedicated to aquatic activities with swimming pools, and the other focused on court-based sports such as basketball, along with a multipurpose hall (SUM) that can accommodate various community events and activities. These spaces are designed to be flexible, allowing for diverse uses and configurations that can adapt to the changing needs of the community. The design encourages an inclusive environment where users of all ages and abilities can engage in sports, recreation, or simply spectate and participate socially.
A critical aspect of the concept is the emphasis on visibility and transparency. The building’s design promotes the idea that all activities can be seen and experienced by everyone in the space. This visibility is achieved through a thoughtful layout that terraces the sports areas, allowing visual connections across different levels. This not only encourages engagement but also creates a sense of community, as people are more likely to participate in activities they can see and feel a part of. The terraces are framed by a series of open-air walkways and staircases, which also serve as seating areas or bleachers, enhancing the viewing experience and creating informal social spaces where people can gather, interact, and enjoy the activities taking place.
The design also focuses on sustainability and minimal environmental impact. By “resting” the building on the existing terrain rather than altering it significantly, the architecture harmonizes with the landscape. This approach minimizes the need for extensive earthworks and promotes environmental stewardship. The large green roof supported by laminated wood structures not only integrates aesthetically with the natural surroundings but also serves as an insulating layer that reduces energy consumption. The building is designed to maximize natural light and ventilation in all spaces, reducing the reliance on artificial systems and enhancing the comfort and well-being of its users.
Accessibility is another fundamental component of the concept. The building’s open and connected layout, with its network of staircases and ramps, encourages active movement and physical exercise. However, it is also fully equipped with elevators and other accessibility features to ensure that it is inclusive and usable for everyone, including those with disabilities. This design philosophy promotes a healthy lifestyle while ensuring that the building serves as a welcoming space for all members of the community.
The rooftop, which connects seamlessly with the access level, transforms into a large, safe playground that integrates with the natural setting of the adjacent forest. This park is designed to be a public space that is accessible yet secure, providing children with a stimulating environment for play and exploration. The controlled access ensures safety while maintaining a sense of openness and connectivity with nature.
The general concept of the project is to redefine urban sports infrastructure by creating a building that not only provides state-of-the-art facilities but also acts as a bridge between nature and urban life. It is a place where physical activity, social interaction, and environmental consciousness come together to create a unique experience for all users. The design aims to foster a strong community spirit by encouraging interaction between different user groups—those actively engaged in sports and those who come to observe, socialize, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.
This innovative approach to sports facility design promotes inclusivity, interaction, and sustainability. By leveraging the site’s natural slope and incorporating terraces that allow for unobstructed views and connectivity, the project creates a dynamic, layered environment that supports diverse uses and fosters a sense of togetherness. The building is not just a place for sports; it is a community asset that encourages a deeper connection with nature and promotes a holistic approach to health, wellness, and social engagement.