Paola Moure. Exquisit simplicity carved in the emptiness of a "patio"

Thumbs up for Paola Moure, an argentinian architect based in Paraguay, who's naive simplicity managed to "tie" two typologically well defined but non-contemporary buildings (one from the early 1900's, the other from the 50's)

A vertical blank facade and a narrow "empty" space behind was all she needed to magically link both pieces of the CPES cultural center, turning it into one.

In this authentic architectural poetry there is no need of reapeting classical mouldings or old-fashioned windows. The stripped facade unveils its contemporariness.

There is no door, the facade folds up attracting the passer-by in an almost "arrogant" way because of the undeniable invitation one is forced to accept.

The "patio": moulded emptiness.

There are no signs of schematic order in the organizing of circulation. Doors and stairs sporadically appear "up there, back here, behind that".

Light and space are the pillars of architecture, and those are the tools Moure intelligently used to define the difficult task of joining two different buildings loaded with conditionings. But as they say, "the bigger the problem, the better the project".

She also causes intrigue and surprise. Two aspects of architecture that I particularly like. The idea of discovering a place little by little, as you walk, creates mystery, curiosity and fascination. Sensitivity is exposed. And the simplicity of it all suddenly feels entangled. Paradoxically: an entangled simplicity!

Faceted stairs, hidden doors, cornered paths are some of the chosen resourses that transform this particular "path" or "hallway" into a linked cultural center, that now has the seal of 3 passing eras.

The "stairway to no-where" (as i call it) is the most relevant sculptural object of the project. A twisting metallic structure wrapped around a folded concrete wall-floor-roof dangerously (no railings!) leads you to a deserted rooftop. An intended sightseeing balcony? (no railings either!).

The detail: the floor does not meet the wall

Paola Moure's work is like a sweet candy. Paraguay owes her much. And so do we.

Paola Moure. Exquisit simplicity carved in the emptiness of a "patio"