ALCARAVÁN

A call from architect Carlos Pérez led me on an unexpected journey to the outskirts of San Juan de los Morros. His project, Alcaraván—a technological center nestled along a rural path within the university territory—promised, even from its early construction photos, to be a profound lesson in tropical architecture. It stands as a fundamental piece for the social and urban development of a largely underexplored region in Venezuela.

Upon arrival, I was struck by the same admiration I felt when discovering the schools of Diébédo Francis Kéré: simple constructions that represent a highly intelligent utilization of scarcity. Austere materials, local labor, and masterful architectural direction converge in a work that promises to remain joyfully and enduringly habitable.

Transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary, the project centers on the adaptive reuse of two humble housing blocks. In just three months, Carlos Pérez turned them into a masterclass in good construction practices, creating a space where young researchers can ignite their own creativity. The first phase consisted of renovating the researchers’ quarters, building a new kitchen, and creating a large cubic hall that seamlessly connects both office blocks.

This great hall, defined by its inclined columns, filters light through the northern facade—its most monumental elevation. It immediately recalled Le Corbusier’s Tower of Shadows in India. West-leaning brise-soleils allow for uninterrupted views of the landscape, while micro-perforated side panels regulate both temperature and light. The rest of the structure features narrow vertical windows alternating with planters—a solution reminiscent of Oscar Tenreiro’s house—efficiently managing shade and cross-ventilation. Consequently, the space breathes, forging a constant connection with the outdoors, strategically framing views, blurring the boundaries of the small original structure, and generating a profound sense of spaciousness.

Alcaraván is an oasis of innovation in the heart of Venezuela. It is a project that proves how, with precise direction and limited resources, it is entirely possible to build remarkable architecture that anchors a new campus.