Celebrated Mexican designers BNKR Arquitectura have given Polyforum Siqueiros Galleries in Mexico City - the site of the world's largest mural - an incredible new facelift. The original decagon-shaped design by David Alfaro Siqueiros - one of the popular Mexican muralists from the same generation as Diego Rivera - featured dark blue industrial carpeting and other heavy decorations that failed to properly represent the exhibitions inside, so BKNR lightened up the vast space by either removing or improving the existing materials.

The Polyforum Siqueiros contains a theater, galleries, and more, but the main focus is the Foro Universal, which contains the interior portion of Siqueiros mural work. The museum received a donation from a Mexican paint manufacturer to give the entire program a sustainable upgrade designed by BNKR Arquitectura to honor the historically important work on the property, including the world-famous “La Marcha de la Humanidad” mural.

Instead of completely re-designing the project, the designers replaced the former dark blue industrial carpet with a white epoxy finished floor. BNKR retained the wood-paneled ceiling and staircase but sanded them down and applied a few layers of varnish to give them new shine. And finally, a new glass window that permits plenty of daylighting also better highlights the work inside. While a new spiky ball definitely gives the original project conceived in 1967 a modern twist, overall this sustainable renovation project enhances the original purpose.

+ BNKR Arquitectura

Via Knstrct