Alumnos 2

Courtesy of Didier Faustino

Courtesy of Didier Faustino
Designed by Paris-based architect Didier Fiuza Faustino, this foundation building for arts and literacy institution Alumnos47 brings together a library, café, exhibition space, offices, and an artist residence in a capsule-based series of structures set in a tropical garden in the center of Mexico City. The project is currently in design development.
“David van der Leer advised us for almost five years while we were conceptualizing a new foundation focused on art and literacy in Mexico City. David took me to far flung places around the world and taught me about the value of design. He created a selection process that connected us to fantastic designers, but, more importantly, his creative insight helped us shape our programs. For instance, he suggested that we create a library bus connecting us to underserved communities around the city. I would work with him and his new agency again in a heartbeat.”–Moises Coscio, founder, Alumnos
- – Intuitive assessments of cultural and institutional context
- – Horizon scans with qualitative and quantitative research and context interpretation
- – Future scenarios and impact assessment
- – Vision and mission strategies
- – Content and program ideas from concept to implementation
- – Peer/competitive analysis
- – Leadership reference trips with organizational management, boards, and funders
– Space program development
– Design brief development
– Team sourcing and structuring (project managers, local architects, and engineers)
– Selection process creation and implementation (Invited commission from long listed firms)
– Workshops and training for Alumnos leadership on effective design decisions
– Vision and program refinement with designers and clients
– Design reviews and guidance
– Intermediary services with core consultants on design issues

Courtesy of Didier Faustino