The adaptive reuse project Manuel Dublán 46, by ReUrbano and PRODUCTORA — led by Carlos Bedoya, Wonne Ickx, Abel Perles, and Víctor Jaime — stands out not only for the magnificent restoration of the original building, but for its uncommon adaptation, designed to benefit residents and neighbors of the famed Tacubaya district alike. We are proud that, alongside projects from countries such as Spain, Colombia, Brazil, and Argentina, it is one of the 84 finalists at the XII Ibero-American Biennial of Architecture and Urbanism, Habitar al margen (BIAU), taking place September 21–25, 2022 in Mexico City alongside the Architecture and City festival MEXTRÓPOLI.
The BIAU is convened by the Spanish Government through the Ministry of Transport, Mobility and Urban Agenda (MITMA), via the General Directorate of Urban Agenda and Architecture, in collaboration with the Higher Council of Spanish Colleges of Architects (CSCAE) and the Arquia Foundation. This edition is also celebrated alongside Arquine, the Mexican publisher that promotes architectural culture through projects like the MEXTRÓPOLI festival, which in 2022 will take place at venues including the Teatro Metropolitan, Museo de la Ciudad de México, Alameda Central, Colegio de San Ildefonso, Centro Cultural España, Museo Franz Mayer, and Laboratorio de Arte Alameda.
Specifically, Manuel Dublán 46 is one of 41 finalists chosen from more than 800 submissions in the Built Works category. The biennial also includes other categories such as Publications and Teaching Programs. Under the title Habitar al margen, this edition seeks proposals beyond the conventional, building a forum for debate and reflection on housing and urban habitability that opens up a peripheral perspective leading to more sustainable architectural practices. It will also feature an exhibition of the most outstanding selected projects, with curatorial work that expands and complements them.
The Built Works category, in which Manuel Dublán 46 competes, recognizes architecture and urban-design work completed between 2019 and 2022 that contributes intelligent solutions to improving how we inhabit, the access to housing, and its quality. In this regard, the project achieves a fluid dialogue between the original building — an early-20th-century townhouse — and contemporary architecture: residences upstairs and ground-floor commercial spaces. The aim is to benefit the entire Tacubaya district, which despite its central location and historic value has lost relevance and care over the years.
Biennials and recognitions like this matter because they spur creators' imagination, showcase projects that are sustainable and friendly to their social and natural environment, and present alternatives to conventional architecture — with greater spatial flexibility and the optimal recovery of existing buildings. Of the more than 800 submissions, 438 have already been built, 102 of them in our country, second only to the Iberian Peninsula (Spain and Portugal). We are confident this Biennial will broaden the horizon toward integrated and sustainable architectural practices for everyone.
For more information about the Biennial, visit https://bienaliberoamericana.org.
