Within the Fissures

The program is situated in Barrio Padre Carlos Mugica, an informal settlement along the eastern coast of Buenos Aires, Argentina. Currently home to approximately 50,000 residents, this densely populated and relatively isolated community faces numerous challenges exacerbated by the country’s ongoing socio-political conditions. Issues such as waste management, food security, and access to education have become increasingly pressing concerns.

The concept of “fissure” in this context extends beyond the physical gap between two highway bridges; it serves as a metaphor for the social and spatial divisions that disconnect the community from the broader urban fabric. These infrastructural barriers fragment the neighborhood and limit access to essential resources and opportunities. A locally sourced postcard featured on the cover offers a glimpse into this fractured world—narrow corridors, crowded rooftops, and entangled wires reflect the hardship of daily life. Yet, vivid colors and animated scenes emerge amidst the compression and disorder. Life thrives, unapologetically vibrant, even within the tightest of margins.

It is within this tension—between isolation and vitality—that our project takes root. We seek to intervene and address the community’s most urgent needs through three fundamental pillars: waste management, food production, and education. These solutions are designed to interact and reinforce one another, ultimately integrating into the fabric of the community. Over time, we envision the “fissure” diminishing, fostering a more cohesive and self-sustaining neighborhood better connected to its surroundings.