Anthropology

Judi Lynn

(160,525 posts) Fri May 8, 2015, 04:03 PM May 2015

Up, up and away: how the Guachimontones travelling balloon is elevating Mexico's design scene

Up, up and away: how the Guachimontones travelling balloon is elevating Mexico's design scene

Design / 8 May 2015 /
By María García Holley

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Norberto Miranda Feldhahn - a young, Guadalajara-based architect - has designed the Guachimontones balloon, a travelling inflatable exhibition
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Travelling exhibitions have existed for centuries. From the ancient mercantile barter to the Renaissance cabinet of curiosities, traders and merchants have long roamed far and wide, showcasing their products and concepts in new markets. But what of items that can't travel? Structures and land?

In Jalisco, a western state of Mexico's Pacific Coast there is a prehispanic archaeological complex called Guachimontones. The ruins of this beautifully rounded pyramid lie forgotten despite their rich heritage and archeological significance, purely because of geographic misfortune and urbanisation. In a bid to benefit tourism, as well as education, the Minister of Culture for Jalisco did what any man in his place would do: commissioned an exhibition. The formula is simple enough, after all; a couple of screens, simple labels, nice pictures and a timeline. It is unfortunate that government policies, especially in Mexico, aren't in the design race. They are dusty, old institutions, far from the avant-garde, conscious criticism and, more tragically, means to break the mould.

Enter Norberto Miranda Feldhahn. This young, Guadalajara-based architect was aware of the challenges when he took on the commission. His idea for an archeological complex was bold, but he prevailed and went on to shake the cultural bureaucratic apparatus, pushing the boundaries of the traditional archaeological exhibition, transforming it into an immersive, educational design experience instead.

Like a travelling circus, the Guachimontones balloon arrives at local schools all packed up, ready to unveil the story of a civilisation that once pioneered the worlds of agriculture and crafts. First it erects a flag, announcing the beginning of the show as excitable children gather curiously, waiting for the giant white balloon to inflate.

Read more at http://www.wallpaper.com/design/up-up-and-away-how-the-guachimontones-travelling-balloon-is-elevating-mexicos-design-scene/8836#XzDOSxA4vPmPte1V.99

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Wikipedia description of Guachimontones:

Los Guachimontones (alternatively Huachimontones) is a prehispanic archaeological site near the Mexican town of Teuchitlán in the state of Jalisco about an hour west of Guadalajara. It is the major site of the so-called Teuchitlan tradition,[1] a complex society that existed from as early as 300 BCE until perhaps 900 CE.

The dominant features at los Guachimontones are circular stepped pyramids in the middle of circular building complexes. The 60-foot (18 m) tall pyramid at Circle 2 has 13 high steps leading to an upper level, which was then topped with another 4 high steps. A post hole was located at the very highest level, most likely for Volador ceremonies.[1] The pyramids may also have supported small temples.

The word Teuchitlán is derived from Teotzitlán or Teutzitlán interpreted as "place dedicated to the divine", "place of the God Tenoch " or "place dedicated to the revered God".[2]

Possibly the city foundation goes back to the Aztecs, which erected it on a hill called Huachimontón, north of its current location.[2] It was founded by members of Nahuatlacas groups that developed central Mexico during the postclassical period, however it is known that buildings at Teuchitlán were built prior to such development. The creative culture that constructed "'Guachimontones"' is called Teuchitlan tradition, its apogee was between 200 and 400 CE, disappearing in about 900 CE, possibly before the arrival of the Anahuaca colonists.

UNESCO World Heritage List[edit]

UNESCO has added the whole region, including the nearby tequila distilleries, to its World Heritage List. Due to heavy looting, the site was also included on the 2008 World Monuments Watch list of 100 Most Endangered Sites.

Cont'd

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Circular stepped-pyramid at the Guachimontones location known as
'Circle 2'
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Model of the site
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