The Edificio Mercado del Plata is adapted for reuse through the concept of creating openings and projections. Three free programs can be seen on these drawings: 1 – video projections at night, from the front and back facade. 2 – the library that spans 3 floors. 3 – The public courtyard and community swimming pool, which becomes a reflecting pool during the colder months. The free services on the lower levels serve to alleviate an unstable economy and poverty in Argentina.
The giant front screen is made of LED panels that will rotate from LED screens at night to building integrated photo-voltaic panels during the day. The central location provides opportunities to foster democracy through art and address local political unrest. Approved videos can play free independent movies and serve as a freedom of speech wall.
Above the government museum floor are government offices. The placement in the middle encourages interaction between these users and the other programs. Commercial offices are on top. The top cantilever is a glass penthouse with a bar for holding events, that opens to two decks on the roof. The railings throughout the building are a repeating element that highlights the connections between floors and the outside spaces.
