Project Brief
The Yucatan Peninsula is a three-state territory, host of a living network of
karst aquifers known as cenotes, which act as the sole water source
in the region. The interconnected network leads to the ocean while providing water
to the cities of Valladolid, Merida, smaller adjacent towns, and many others.
Because the water table in the Yucatan Peninsula is a key element
and major water source for people and other living beings in the territory, the
treatment of water and development of water infrastructure in this territory is
empirical due to its environmental fragility.
Cenotes are living ecosystems, made of porous karst, hosts of
aquatic, terrestrial, and aviary species, and geological formations, which serve
as natural chronologic tracking devices that are able to determine changes in climate.
The Cenote Research Institute’s mission is to carry out scientific
research, develop human resources for cultural practices, distribute knowledge
amongst local citizens, generate employment through training, and promote
environmental practices.
The building and project master plan systematically integrate the community into a
scientifically led field. The bio-sanctuary, community market, and plaza spaces
are all interconnected by subtle design features and porous path networks that allow
the user to explore and interact with the environment. The facility is a
47,000 sq. ft., three-story facility designed to balance
cultural exhibits and laboratories dedicated to the preservation
of water, geology, and biology.
Typology: Research Facility | 4th Year Capstone Project | Partner: James Price, NOMAS
