Winner: Small project of the year 2023. TO has built Kithara Music Public Kiosk in Mexico City, Mexico.

Kithara Music Public Kiosk is a community space located in Yuguelito, a marginalised area of Mexico City, built atop the rubble left behind by the devastating earthquakes.

Consisting of a rain-harvesting masonry vault – split into two levels by a wooden platform – the vault rotates towards the majestic Xaltepec Volcano, creating a lush garden around and an open space facing the street.

Using an array of recycled materials, including stone, concrete, brick, and wood, as well as generous donations from the community, the building has been transformed into a hub for guitar lessons, theatrical performances, and community gatherings.

Judges comments:  "Although very small, this project has had a huge social and cultural impact within a densely populated area. Built from materials from the site, the primary arch is orientated to the views of the mountains, a simple but effective way to link the city to its context. Its cultural and performative uses provide opportunities for a diverse neighbourhood to engage and benefit from this important small building."

Studio: TO
Project: Kithara Music Public Kiosk
Credits: TO, Carlos Facio and José Amozurrutia