The Water Tower_rendering (Zooburbia).jpg

Rendering by Carlos Ríos

The Water Tower

The Water Tower is a hybrid structure –part single-family house and part communal water tank– designed in response to a series of paradoxes within Mexico’s housing system. On the one hand, it stems from the fact that the country’s most pressing housing-related problems are not architectural but infrastructural. But with infrastructure production jealously controlled either by the State or by private developers, there is increasingly little –if any– room for designing, building or managing collective infrastructures through autonomous, grass-roots mechanisms. The result is a systematic, widespread, and increasing lack of access to basic water, sewage and electrical power services.

On the other hand, these political constraints are closely interlaced with multiple financial regulations that curb any attempt to divert housing loans and subsidies towards nonindividual purposes. Within this highly fragmented system, community-oriented infrastructure programs are hard to come by. In this sense, our project sets forth the need of incorporating the right to infrastructure as a fundamental civil right, while critically addressing the legal, economics, and political constraints of doing so within Mexico’s urban and housing policy frameworks. The Water Tower was designed originally for La Joya –a small and impoverished community of workers from a sugar refinery located in the southern state of Campeche, where there is no access whatsoever to safe running water– although it responds to a problem that has become the key concern of most urban agendas nationwide.

Commissioned by Infonavit –Mexico’s Institute of the National Fund for Workers' Housing– the project’s main aim was to find a way of financing collective water infrastructure through a financial system that only offers individual loans for single-family housing. The solution consisted in hacking or tricking Infonavit’s credit protocols through a hybrid structure that blurs the lines between private architecture and public infrastructure. With a budget of approximately $15,000 USD –the maximum amount stipulated for loans for this specific program– the Water Tower includes both a two-bedroom single-family house, as well as system of underground and elevated water tanks capable of storing up to 80,000 liters of water (or the weekly consumption of 150 residents).

It was selected by Infonavit along with 31 prototypes that will be built in Apan, Mexico in 2017-2018 as part of a housing research and experimentation center. The master plan –as well as the project selection– was by New York-based MOS Architects, and will include 32 houses designed by 32 local and foreign practices: Accidental, Agraz Arquitectos, Ambrosi Etchegaray, BGP Arquitectura, Tatiana Bilbao ESTUDIO, Fernanda Canales, Cano|Vera, JC Arquitectura (Juan Carral), CRO Studio, DCPP Arquitectos, Dellekamp Arquitectos, Frida Escobedo, Gaeta / Springall Arquitectos, Griffin Enright Architects, Rozana Montiel, Nuño MacGregor De Buen, Francisco Pardo, Pita & Bloom, Productora, Mauricio Rocha + Gabriella Carrillo, Rojkind Arquitectos, SAYA + Arquitectos (Felix Sánchez), Tactic-A, Taller 4:00 A.M., Taller ADG (Alonso De Garay), TAX Arquitectos (Alberto Kalach), TEN Arquitectos (Enrique Norten), RNThomsen ARCHITECTURE, José de Villar, Zago Architecture, Zeller&Moye, and Zooburbia.

The Water Tower_Diagram (Zoobubia).png

Conceptual Diagram

The Water Tower_Model (Zooburbia).jpg

Model by Alejandro Rojas Photo by Jaime Navarro

The Water Tower_Isometrics B (Zoobubia).png

Exterior View (Anabel Chávez)

The Water Tower_Isometrics A (Zoobubia).png

Interior View (Anabel Chávez)

The Water Tower_Architectural Drawings A (Zoobubia).png

Sections

The Water Tower_Architectural Drawings B (Zoobubia).png

Ground Floor Plan

The Water Tower_Architectural Drawings C (Zoobubia).png

First Floor Plan

  • 698 Comments   –  Login to comment

  • blazechristian

    blazechristian ·  Sep 14, 18 6:42 am

    Builders of the tower did very nice deed from people of the community get comfort in drinking of pure water. Services reviews are available on https://www.analyzedu.com/writing-services-reviews/custom-writing-org-review.html here for writing help finders.
  • carylouder

    carylouder ·  Jan 12, 19 5:43 am

    You are having a beautiful which shares useful articles to the audience. The articles are of higher standard and relevant topics. The main advantage of using your is http://www.worldattestation.com , finding the topic in the simplest format in a detailed manner.

  • alexteen

    alexteen ·  Apr 18, 19 4:47 pm

    That definitely possibly an amazing organize i always in truth definitely relished checking out. It's not necessarily specifically frequent i always add some choice to identify a selected matter.   [url=http://www.cryptojobs.biz/]Bitcoin[/url]
  • alexteen

    alexteen ·  Apr 19, 19 10:47 am

    This is actually in addition to such a fine writing most people certainly expert wanting by. It is not daily we certainly have the probability to consider a little.  "online kasiinod":https://klikivabrik.ee/ 
  • cassandraeverhart

    cassandraeverhart ·  Oct 15, 19 11:11 pm

    Wow, I love your post today! This is perfect.  tree care

  • stefanpetkovski

    stefanpetkovski ·  Oct 16, 19 9:55 am

    Whoa, your site loads really fast...just how does one accomplish this?

  • charlieford

    charlieford ·  Oct 21, 19 12:02 am

    At last week’s Game Developers Conference, Google made a pitch to change the future of gaming with the reveal of its upcoming Stadia platform. Rather than a physical console to rival PlayStation or Xbox, Stadia will be a streaming service, requiring little more than a Chrome browser to deliver games seamlessly to players. https://sandyrim.bcz.com/2019/10/17/google-stadia-cost/
  • robinjack

    robinjack ·  Nov 16, 19 7:33 am

    There is noticeably a bundle to know about this. I assume you have made certain nice points in functions also. boston exterminators
  • zaddibacha73

    zaddibacha73 ·  Jan 4, 20 9:11 am

    you use a great blog here! do you need to make some invite posts on my own weblog? boston exterminators

  • charllykorpa

    charllykorpa ·  Jan 6, 20 2:37 am


  • seraelzy

    seraelzy ·  Jan 6, 20 6:34 am

    People need places to live, work, play, learn, shop and eat. Architects are responsible for designing these places and protect the public health, safety, and welfare. https://www.clippingpathphotoediting.com This second responsibility requires architects to be licensed by the state, which they work.
  • seraelzy

    seraelzy ·  Jan 6, 20 6:36 am

    People need places to live, work, play, learn, shop and eat. Architects are responsible for designing these places and protect the public health, safety, and welfare.   https://www.clippingpathphotoediting.com This second responsibility requires architects to be licensed by the state, which they work.
  • zonedigital

    zonedigital ·  Apr 12, 20 8:49 am

    Thank you because you have been willing to share information with us. we will always appreciate all you have done here because I know you are very concerned with our. Akoestische vloerisolatie
  • zonedigital

    zonedigital ·  Apr 12, 20 8:59 am

    Thanks for a very interesting blog. What else may I get that kind of info written in such a perfect approach? I’ve a undertaking that I am simply now operating on, and I have been at the look out for such info. Webdesign bureau
  • zonedigital

    zonedigital ·  Apr 12, 20 9:02 am

    This particular papers fabulous, and My spouse and i enjoy each of the perform that you have placed into this. I’m sure that you will be making a really useful place. I has been additionally pleased. Good perform!   Chape
  • zonedigital

    zonedigital ·  Apr 12, 20 9:05 am

    This is a great inspiring article.I am pretty much pleased with your good work.You put really very helpful information. Keep it up. Keep blogging. Looking to reading your next post. Webdesign
  • zonedigital

    zonedigital ·  Apr 12, 20 9:08 am

    Yes i am totally agreed with this article and i just want say that this article is very nice and very informative article.I will make sure to be reading your blog more. You made a good point but I can't help but wonder, what about the other side? !!!!!!Thanks PUR vloerisolatie
  • zonedigital

    zonedigital ·  Apr 12, 20 9:13 am

    This is my first time i visit here. I found so many interesting stuff in your blog especially its discussion. From the tons of comments on your articles, I guess I am not the only one having all the enjoyment here keep up the good work Geluidsisolatie vloeren
  • zonedigital

    zonedigital ·  Apr 12, 20 9:15 am

    Pretty good post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed reading your blog posts. Any way I'll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you post again soon. Big thanks for the useful info. Webdesign
  • zonedigital

    zonedigital ·  Apr 12, 20 9:18 am

    Thank you again for all the knowledge you distribute,Good post. I was very interested in the article, it's quite inspiring I should admit. I like visiting you site since I always come across interesting articles like this one.Great Job, I greatly appreciate that.Do Keep sharing! Regards, Chape Antwerpen
  • zonedigital

    zonedigital ·  Apr 12, 20 9:23 am

    This is highly informatics, crisp and clear. I think that everything has been described in systematic manner so that reader could get maximum information and learn many things. Webdesign
  • zonedigital

    zonedigital ·  Apr 12, 20 10:55 am

    Interesting topic for a blog. I have been searching the Internet for fun and came upon your website. Fabulous post. Thanks a ton for sharing your knowledge! It is great to see that some people still put in an effort into managing their websites. I'll be sure to check back again real soon. Chapewerken Antwerpen
  • zonedigital

    zonedigital ·  Apr 12, 20 10:59 am

    Thanks for taking the time to discuss this, I feel strongly that love and read more on this topic. If possible, such as gain knowledge, would you mind updating your blog with additional information? It is very useful for me. Vloerisolatie
  • zonedigital

    zonedigital ·  Apr 12, 20 11:02 am

    I am happy to find this post very useful for me, as it contains lot of information. I always prefer to read the quality content and this thing I found in you post. Thanks for sharing. Webdesign
  • zonedigital

    zonedigital ·  Apr 12, 20 11:06 am

    Just admiring your work and wondering how you managed this blog so well. It’s so remarkable that I can't afford to not go through this valuable information whenever I surf the internet! Chape vloerverwarming
  • zonedigital

    zonedigital ·  Apr 12, 20 11:10 am

    Nice to be visiting your blog again, it has been months for me. Well this article that i’ve been waited for so long. I need this article to complete my assignment in the college, and it has same topic with your article. Thanks, great share. Isolatiechape
  • zonedigital

    zonedigital ·  Apr 12, 20 11:13 am

    I admire what you have done here. I like the part where you say you are doing this to give back but I would assume by all the comments that this is working for you as well. Zwembad aanleggen
  • zonedigital

    zonedigital ·  Apr 12, 20 11:15 am

    Thank you for some other informative website. The place else may just I get that kind of information written in such a perfect method? I have a venture that I am simply now running on, and I’ve been at the glance out for such info. PUR vloerisolatie
  • zonedigital

    zonedigital ·  Apr 12, 20 11:22 am

    This article is an appealing wealth of informative data that is interesting and well-written.  I commend your hard work on this and thank you for this information.  You’ve got what it takes to get attention.Granola
  • zonedigital

    zonedigital ·  Apr 12, 20 11:25 am

    Thank you a bunch for sharing this with all of us you actually realize what you are talking about! Bookmarked. Please also seek advice from my site =). We could have a hyperlink change contract between us! Geluidsisolatie vloeren
  • zonedigital

    zonedigital ·  Apr 12, 20 11:27 am

    Good website! I truly love how it is easy on my eyes it is. I am wondering how I might be notified whenever a new post has been made. I have subscribed to your RSS which may do the trick? Have a great day! Granola kopen
  • zonedigital

    zonedigital ·  Apr 12, 20 11:30 am

    Wow! This could be one of the most useful blogs we have ever come across on thesubject. Actually excellent info! I’m also an expert in this topic so I can understand your effort. Isolerende chape
  • zonedigital

    zonedigital ·  Apr 12, 20 11:33 am

    Thanks for picking out the time to discuss this, I feel great about it and love studying more on this topic. It is extremely helpful for me. Thanks for such a valuable help again. Granola kopen online
  • zonedigital

    zonedigital ·  Apr 12, 20 11:36 am

    You have performed a great job on this article.  It’s very precise and highly qualitative. You have even managed to make it readable and easy to read. You have some real writing talent. Thank you so much.Sneldrogende chape
  • zonedigital

    zonedigital ·  Apr 12, 20 11:38 am

    Excellent post. I was always checking this blog, and I’m impressed! Extremely useful info specially the last part, I care for such information a lot. I was exploring this particular info for a long time. Thanks to this blog my exploration has ended. Biotop zwemvijvers
  • zonedigital

    zonedigital ·  Apr 12, 20 11:41 am

    Wow, What an Outstanding post. I found this too much informatics. It is what I was seeking for. I would like to recommend you that please keep sharing such type of info.If possible, Thanks. Schuimbeton
  • zonedigital

    zonedigital ·  Apr 12, 20 11:44 am

    Pretty nice post. I just stumbled upon your weblog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed browsing your blog posts. After all I’ll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you write again soon! Bio zwemvijver
  • zonedigital

    zonedigital ·  Apr 12, 20 11:46 am

    Excellent to be visiting your blog again, it has been months for me. Rightly, this article that I've been served for therefore long. I want this article to finish my assignment within the faculty, and it has the same topic together with your article. Thanks for the ton of valuable help, nice share. Akoestische vloerisolatie
  • zonedigital

    zonedigital ·  Apr 12, 20 11:49 am

    Thank you so much for such a well-written article. It’s full of insightful information. Your point of view is the best among many without fail.For certain, It is one of the best blogs in my opinion. Eco zwembad
  • zonedigital

    zonedigital ·  Apr 12, 20 11:52 am

    Whenever I have some free time, I visit blogs to get some useful info. Today, I found your blog with the help of Google. Believe me; I found it one of the most informative blog. Chapewerken
  • zonedigital

    zonedigital ·  Apr 12, 20 11:57 am

    nice post, keep up with this interesting work. It really is good to know that this topic is being covered also on this web site so cheers for taking time to discuss this! Aanleg zwembad
  • zonedigital

    zonedigital ·  Apr 12, 20 12:03 pm

    Thank you so much as you have been willing to share information with us. We will forever admire all you have done here because you have made my work as easy as ABC. Biotop zwemvijver
  • zonedigital

    zonedigital ·  Apr 12, 20 12:22 pm

    I definitely enjoying every little bit of it. It is a great website and nice share. I want to thank you. Good job! You guys do a great blog, and have some great contents. Keep up the good work. Aanleg zwembaden
  • zonedigital

    zonedigital ·  Apr 12, 20 12:25 pm

    I was surfing the Internet for information and came across your blog. I am impressed by the information you have on this blog. It shows how well you understand this subject. PUR chape
  • zonedigital

    zonedigital ·  Apr 12, 20 12:28 pm

    This is such a great resource that you are providing and you give it away for free. I love seeing blog that understand the value of providing a quality resource for free. Zwembadaanleg
  • zonedigital

    zonedigital ·  Apr 12, 20 12:31 pm

    I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don't know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often. SEO optimalisatie
  • zonedigital

    zonedigital ·  Apr 12, 20 12:35 pm

    I'm glad I found this web site, I couldn't find any knowledge on this matter prior to.Also operate a site and if you are ever interested in doing some visitor writing for me if possible feel free to let me know, im always look for people to check out my web site. Chape
  • zonedigital

    zonedigital ·  Apr 12, 20 12:38 pm

    Hello, I have browsed most of your posts. This post is probably where I got the most useful information for my research. Thanks for posting, maybe we can see more on this. Are you aware of any other websites on this subject. PUR
  • zonedigital

    zonedigital ·  Apr 12, 20 12:43 pm

    Thanks for taking the time to discuss this, I feel strongly about it and love learning more on this topic. If possible, as you gain expertise, would you mind updating your blog with more information? It is extremely helpful for me. SEO optimalisatie
  • zonedigital

    zonedigital ·  Apr 12, 20 12:46 pm

    Great things you’ve always shared with us. Just keep writing this kind of posts.The time which was wasted in traveling for tuition now it can be used for studies.Thanks Chapewerken
Next page »