Architecture

Extraordinary arts center completed in the Mexican jungle

Extraordinary arts center completed in the Mexican jungle
A 16 m (52 ft)-tall dome structure lies at the heart of Azulik Uh May
A 16 m (52 ft)-tall dome structure lies at the heart of Azulik Uh May
View 17 Images
Following the opening of the IK Lab in the luxury Azulik Tulum Resort, in Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, comes another unusual building dedicated to art by the same team
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Following the opening of the IK Lab in the luxury Azulik Tulum Resort, in Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, comes another unusual building dedicated to art by the same team
Azulik Uh May is located about 30 minutes away from IK Lab in the Mexican jungle and hosts exhibitions among the trees
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Azulik Uh May is located about 30 minutes away from IK Lab in the Mexican jungle and hosts exhibitions among the trees
Azulik Uh May has lots of openings in it to allow trees to continue to grow
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Azulik Uh May has lots of openings in it to allow trees to continue to grow 
The idea behind the Azulik Uh May project is to host art exhibitions in Mexico's wilderness
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The idea behind the Azulik Uh May project is to host art exhibitions in Mexico's wilderness
Azulik Uh May's design is influenced by Mayan art and looks very abstract
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Azulik Uh May's design is influenced by Mayan art and looks very abstract 
Azulik Uh May makes use of local materials and techniques
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Azulik Uh May makes use of local materials and techniques
Azulik Uh May's visitors will pass through meandering paths and bridges between the trees
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Azulik Uh May's visitors will pass through meandering paths and bridges  between the trees
Azulik Uh May's opening ceremony is taking place on November 29 - December 1
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Azulik Uh May's opening ceremony is taking place on November 29 - December 1
Azulik Uh May's Bejuco wooden floors are made from a native vine-like plant. It's installed while the wood is still soft, then it dries and hardens while in place
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Azulik Uh May's Bejuco wooden floors are made from a native vine-like plant. It's installed while the wood is still soft, then it dries and hardens while in place
Azulik Uh May captures the soul of the location and has been carefully designed to preserve and embrace the local ecosystems," says founder Eduardo Neira (aka Roth)
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Azulik Uh May captures the soul of the location and has been carefully designed to preserve and embrace the local ecosystems," says founder Eduardo Neira (aka Roth)
"The construction process is mindful of the carbon footprint and not a single tree has been cut to make space for the buildings, instead the structures embrace the existing vegetation," adds Roth
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"The construction process is mindful of the carbon footprint and not a single tree has been cut to make space for the buildings, instead the structures embrace the existing vegetation," adds Roth
A 16 m (52 ft)-tall dome structure lies at the heart of Azulik Uh May
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A 16 m (52 ft)-tall dome structure lies at the heart of Azulik Uh May
Work on Azulik Uh May is still ongoing and workshops, a fashion studio, recording studio and more are planned throughout 2019
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Work on Azulik Uh May is still ongoing and workshops, a fashion studio, recording studio and more are planned throughout 2019
Azulik Uh May also features polished concrete
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Azulik Uh May also features polished concrete 
Azulik Uh May has lots of openings in it to allow trees to continue to grow
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Azulik Uh May has lots of openings in it to allow trees to continue to grow
Azulik Uh May looks light-filled and quite open to the elements
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Azulik Uh May looks light-filled and quite open to the elements
Azulik Uh May's opening ceremony is taking place on November 29 - December 1
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Azulik Uh May's opening ceremony is taking place on November 29 - December 1
View gallery - 17 images

Following the opening of the IK Lab in Mexico's luxury Azulik Tulum Resort earlier this year, its founder has revealed another unusual architectural project about 30 minutes drive away. The recently-completed Azulik Uh May will open soon to host art exhibitions within the Mexican jungle.

Azulik Uh May is centered around a 16 m (52 ft)-tall dome building. This is quite complex structurally and its upper area consists of a geometrical shape composed of overlapping circles arranged in a flower-like pattern. Its base, meanwhile, is arranged to match the proportions of the Fibonacci sequence.

Azulik Uh May was created using concrete, as well as traditional local building materials. This includes Bejuco wooden floors, which are made from a vine-like plant and installed while the wood is soft, then it dries in place and hardens. Impressively, its owners say Azulik Uh May was constructed without cutting down any trees. This was achieved by creating openings in the floor and roof to allow them to continue to grow.

It's topped by timber canopy-like roofs and visitors pass through meandering paths and bridges to reach gallery spaces between the trees.

Azulik Uh May's visitors will pass through meandering paths and bridges between the trees
Azulik Uh May's visitors will pass through meandering paths and bridges  between the trees

Azulik Uh May's official opening ceremony is taking place from November 29 to December 1 and will include a charity auction. Its inaugural exhibition will feature works by Ernesto Neto, Paulo Nazareth and Oskar Metsavaht.

However, work will continue throughout 2019 and workshops, a fashion studio, recording studio and more are planned.

"Azulik Uh May captures the soul of the location and has been carefully designed to preserve and embrace the local ecosystems," says founder Eduardo Neira (aka Roth). "The construction process is mindful of the carbon footprint and not a single tree has been cut to make space for the buildings, instead the structures embrace the existing vegetation.

"At the heart of Azulik Uh May, a school focusing on the universal language of art and craft will bring together the local Mayan population, artists in residence, international students and scholars. Through a shared experience of creativity, the school will foster and develop the sense of belonging in a community."

Source: Azulik Uh May

View gallery - 17 images
3 comments
3 comments
Grunchy
If it was designed to preserve and embrace the local ecosystem then it wouldn't exist at all. Any time we encroach into the wild we drive the wildlife away. I don't ever support these tourist traps any time I encounter them.
Erg
I totally agree with Grunchy.
paul314
Who goes to spaces like this? The locals? Tourists who got bored with the other amenities? It sounds as if it could become a destination, but it's a tough climb.