Social and Sports Center in the Desierto de Sonora, Agua Prieta, Mexico

Fernanda Canales

Project implementation: Mexico
Project development: Mexico

The project consists of a large sawtooth roof that houses a court, gymnasium, and communal services, becoming the centerpiece of the sports complex. Outside, a series of soccer fields and basketball courts, as well as a running track, skate park, and playgrounds, create a quality infrastructure that allows residents to expand their opportunities and thus reduce commuting. The building consists of two parts: a lightweight metal roof that allows natural light and air to enter, and a ground floor with concrete stairs, walkways, and brick walls that house communal services. Designed with considerations for an extreme climate in a desert area, it creates open spaces that, in addition to allowing natural light and ventilation throughout, provide a safe place for users to engage in various physical activities. The use of simple materials emphasizes low maintenance and high durability, while generating various textures and giving a sense of identity. The building remains open at all times and encourages various ways of connecting sports facilities, surrounding leisure areas, and community services. As part of the Federal Government's Urban Improvement Program (SEDATU), along with the other six projects Fernanda has built in Sonora's border towns, this project strengthens the sense of belonging among residents. The exposed brick walls and materials establish a dialogue between architecture and landscape, providing the local community with fertile ground for an ongoing project, open to continuous transformation and collective participation.

Virtual Tour of the 14th BIAsp 

The 14th São Paulo International Architecture Biennial, Extremes: Architectures for a hot world., It has expanded beyond physical space and can now be visited from anywhere! 

The virtual tour offers a new perspective on the exhibition, which took place from September 18th to October 19th at the Oca in Ibirapuera Park, allowing for fluid, free, and intuitive navigation between the different spaces. During the visit, curatorial content, high-definition images, and details that deepen the spatial and conceptual understanding of the artworks are available. 

The platform broadens access, preserves the memory of the Biennial, and creates new ways to experience architecture. 

Visit the 14th BIAsp here!  

Explore at your own pace, revisit routes, and deepen your experiences. 

The virtual tour will soon be available on the IABsp (Brazilian Institute of Architects – São Paulo branch) website.