A--D -- PÓRTICO COMUNITARIO DZUNUNCAN

PÓRTICO COMUNITARIO DZUNUNCAN merida, Mexico

Location: merida, Mexico

Category: education

Phase: under construction

This project addresses the urgent need for social assistance and a children’s dining hall in Dzununcán, a marginalized area on the southern outskirts of Mérida, Mexico. It aims to provide daily meals for 150 children while offering educational, medical, and recreational support for 237 families. The building will also serve as a shelter in case of natural disasters and a replicable model for eco-social, biocultural structures in vulnerable areas.

Project leader: ROMAN JESUS CORDERO TOVAR

What is still needed to proceed?

Finance Still 100% of € 17,500

Skills Stuff Hands Support

Introduction

The Dzununcán Community Portico -currently under construction- began through the efforts of Red Pro Yucatán Foundation A.C., which approached to PLUG architecture team to co-develop a response to the urgent need for a community dining hall in a vulnerable area between the city of Mérida and the rural town of Dzununcan. Through participatory dialogues with local residents and groups like the community mothers’ collective of the informal settlement, the project took shape as a reflection of shared needs and values.

The foundation currently provides nutritious meals twice a day to 150 children, while also supporting 237 families through educational, medical, emotional, and recreational services. Once the center is finished and in functions the next goal is to double both the number of meals served and the number of families reached.

The Portico is built around four health pillars:

-Physical: a flexible, multi-use space encourages active lifestyles through dance, exercise, and classes.

-Nutritional: meals will ensure children and families receive the nourishment they need.

-Sociocultural: the design offers a dignified, welcoming environment that replaces unsafe, neglected public spaces.

-Emotional: the center will facilitate psychological support, dialogue, and emotional care.

Additionally, the Portico is designed to serve as a shelter during natural disasters and a pilot model for other vulnerable communities in need of eco-social and bio-cultural infrastructure.

Resume Image

image: public domain

Impact

Social: The Dzununcán Community Portico serves as a welcoming and versatile space that currently offers daily meals to 150 children and provides comprehensive support to 237 families through programs in education, healthcare, emotional wellbeing, and recreation. Once the center is fully up and running, the aim is to expand its impact by doubling both the number of meals distributed and the families served. The project restores dignity to marginalized families while laying the groundwork for long-term community development.

Sustainability: Designed for lasting impact, the Portico incorporates passive bioclimatic strategies—like cross-ventilation through lattice walls and skylights—to reduce reliance on artificial cooling and lighting. These features lower energy use, cut utility costs, and minimize the building’s environmental footprint. A biodigester enables wastewater reuse, while durable, raw low-maintenance materials extend the building’s life and reduce repair costs.

It responds to its geographical and cultural setting with a neutral open portico that invites gathering and interaction. By addressing key issues such as hunger, health, emotional well-being, and community development, the Portico will offer a model of sustainable, inclusive, and participatory urban development.

Core team

PLUG ARCHITECTURE

Roman Jesus Cordero Tovar / Design lead architect

Colaborators: Katia Lopezconde, Odette Lizarraga, Alfonsina Rosas, Jimena Constantino, David Boudegard, Sofia Cordero

ALIS GARCIA GAMBOA

President of the Network of Civil Society Organizations Pro Yucatán, A.C.

IVETTE LAVIADA

Legal advisor of the Network of Civil Society Organizations Pro Yucatán, A.C.

GINA DOGRE

Operative Manager of Dzununcan Community Portico

PAULINA

Representative lider of Dzununcan’s community

And the mother’s collective that has been part of the process!

Core Team

image: PLUG architecture | © all rights reserved

Image gallery

Place, Program and People

image: public domain

Social Participation and Interaction

image: PLUG architecture | © all rights reserved

Scenarios 01

image: public domain

Scenarios 02

image: public domain

Technical drawings

Roof Plan and Elevations image: public domain

Main Plan and Sections

image: PLUG architecture | © all rights reserved

Layers and Components

image: public domain

Help bring our project to life!

Finance: Still 100% of € 17,500 Support

Stuff: Materials Support

Where are we now

The project has reached the structural stage thanks to material donations and civil workforce so far. However, it’s now moving slowly due a lack of funding for electromechanical installations and labor.

This phase is essential, as all wiring and plumbing must be embedded before concrete and finishing work.

Our most urgent need is the economical support for this electromechanical phase, covering materials and workforce.

With funding or sponsorship, we could complete this stage and significantly accelerate progress toward the center’s full completion.

An indication of our team’s capacity:

50% funding already raised

90% expertise already found

50% materials / equipment already found

70% builders already found

Finance: € 17,500

As soon as we finish with the electromechanical stage, we need three concrete basin trucks (21m3) for the roof slab pouring.

electromechanical materials 7,500

workforce 5,000

concrete 3,000

fournishing 2,000

Stuff: Materials

electromechanical materials (plumbing and electric), concrete (21m3)

Current state at february 2025 image: public domain