Architects: ROOTSTUDIO
Area: 7,000 m²
Year: 2023
Photography: Lizet Ortiz
City: Oaxaca de Juárez
Country: Mexico
The former convent of Carmen Alto in Oaxaca is reborn as the Gastronomic Center of Oaxaca thanks to ROOTSTUDIO. A transformation that integrates architectural heritage with the culinary traditions of the region, creating a multidisciplinary space dedicated to education and sensory experiences. Emphasizing sustainability, the design incorporates traditional materials and techniques, maintaining the site’s historic fabric while introducing modern functionalities. This fusion of old and new fosters community engagement and enhances cultural appreciation through spaces like classrooms, a library, and various gastronomic venues.
![Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO 1 Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/centro-gastronomico-de-oaxaca-rootstudio_2.jpg)
![Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO 2 Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/screen-shot-2023-06-13-at-18-56-12-1-1140x550.jpg)
![Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO 3 Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/centro-gastronomico-de-oaxaca-rootstudio_7.jpg)
ROOTSTUDIO has transformed the viceregal architecture of the former convent of Carmen Alto into the Gastronomic Center of Oaxaca, a space where culinary traditions and sustainability converge to create a sensory experience.
![Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO 4 Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/centro-gastronomico-de-oaxaca-rootstudio_24.jpg)
![Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO 5 Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/screen-shot-2023-06-13-at-18-55-49-2-1140x639.jpg)
![Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO 6 Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/centro-gastronomico-de-oaxaca-rootstudio_23.jpg)
The Gastronomic Center of Oaxaca draws inspiration from the existing conventual architecture, the rich local culinary legacy, and endemic materials, representing one of the largest commissions in Mexico undertaken by this multidisciplinary architectural laboratory.
![Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO 7 Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/centro-gastronomico-de-oaxaca-rootstudio_4.jpg)
![Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO 8 Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/screen-shot-2023-06-13-at-18-55-09-4-1140x631.jpg)
![Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO 9 Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/centro-gastronomico-de-oaxaca-rootstudio_3.jpg)
The project’s primary aim is to provide a versatile environment that promotes community integration while respecting the original structure of the building, dating back to the 16th century. Traditional construction techniques and materials such as lime, brick, wood, and green quarry stone were used to maintain the original materiality and architectural layout.
![Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO 10 Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/centro-gastronomico-de-oaxaca-rootstudio_10.jpg)
![Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO 11 Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/screen-shot-2023-06-13-at-18-55-32-3-1140x549.jpg)
![Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO 12 Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/centro-gastronomico-de-oaxaca-rootstudio_6.jpg)
RootStudio’s approach preserves the materiality and typology of the property, fostering a dialogue between the urban environment and the pre-existing structure to establish a center of studies. This includes a rectorate, classrooms, and a public library, alongside commercial and recreational facilities such as a restaurant, kitchen, cocktail, and tasting rooms, a gallery, a cafeteria, multipurpose rooms, an auditorium, patios, arcades, and commercial premises.
![Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO 13 Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/centro-gastronomico-de-oaxaca-rootstudio_1-1140x760.jpg)
![Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO 14 Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/screen-shot-2023-06-13-at-18-51-34-10-1140x192.jpg)
![Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO 15 Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/centro-gastronomico-de-oaxaca-rootstudio_5-1140x760.jpg)
A meticulous restoration was executed, adhering to the guidelines of the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), Oaxaca section, to preserve the primary features and historical hierarchy.
![Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO 16 Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/centro-gastronomico-de-oaxaca-rootstudio_8.jpg)
![Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO 17 Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/screen-shot-2023-06-13-at-18-53-42-6-1140x480.jpg)
![Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO 18 Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/centro-gastronomico-de-oaxaca-rootstudio_9.jpg)
The project involves a total area of 5 thousand square meters and 7 thousand square meters of construction. It was executed by a team of over 20 designers and supervisors from the Cultural Heritage Institute of the State of Oaxaca, INPAC, and the Oaxacan Institute for the Construction of Educational Physical Infrastructure, IOCIFED.
![Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO 19 Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/centro-gastronomico-de-oaxaca-rootstudio_12-1140x760.jpg)
![Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO 20 Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/screen-shot-2023-06-13-at-18-54-51-5-1140x467.jpg)
![Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO 21 Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/centro-gastronomico-de-oaxaca-rootstudio_20-1140x760.jpg)
Significant discoveries during the restoration included an 18th-century sewer, now a space for ancestral mezcal tastings and culinary experiences, and a diagonal window similar to one in the convent of the same order in San Angel, Mexico City. The arcades of the maneuvering patio were also restored and converted into a space for outdoor events.
![Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO 22 Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/centro-gastronomico-de-oaxaca-rootstudio_22.jpg)
![Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO 23 Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/screen-shot-2023-06-13-at-18-53-07-7-1140x561.jpg)
The original gardens and patios, formerly overseen by the Order of the Barefoot Carmelites, were restored to their original splendor. A contemporary element made of natural steel was installed to house the industrial kitchens.
![Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO 24 Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/centro-gastronomico-de-oaxaca-rootstudio_13.jpg)
![Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO 25 Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/screen-shot-2023-06-13-at-18-52-11-9-1140x533.jpg)
RootStudio, led by Joao Boto Caeiro, incorporates integral sustainability into its designs, using products with net zero carbon dioxide emissions and chemical-free solutions, and installing a solar energy system.
![Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO 26 Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/centro-gastronomico-de-oaxaca-rootstudio_18-1140x761.jpg)
![Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO 27 Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/screen-shot-2023-06-13-at-18-52-44-8-1140x313.jpg)
Local talents were engaged for the interiors, including the production of custom furniture made from Macuil tree wood. Artistic collaborations feature prominently, with murals that reflect the region’s cultural richness.
![Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO 28 Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/centro-gastronomico-de-oaxaca-rootstudio_19.jpg)
![Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO 29 Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/centro-gastronomico-de-oaxaca-rootstudio_17.jpg)
![Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO 30 Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/centro-gastronomico-de-oaxaca-rootstudio_11.jpg)
![Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO 31 Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/centro-gastronomico-de-oaxaca-rootstudio_16.jpg)
![Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO 32 Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/centro-gastronomico-de-oaxaca-rootstudio_14.jpg)
The project also prioritizes accessibility and inclusion, with facilities designed for people with disabilities, ensuring interaction with their environment through thoughtfully designed spaces.
![ROOTSTUDIO Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/centro-gastronomico-de-oaxaca-rootstudio_21.jpg)
Project Gallery
![Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO 33 Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/centro-gastronomico-de-oaxaca-rootstudio_15-1140x760.jpg)
![Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO 13 Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/centro-gastronomico-de-oaxaca-rootstudio_1-1140x760.jpg)
![Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO 15 Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/centro-gastronomico-de-oaxaca-rootstudio_5-1140x760.jpg)
![Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO 19 Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/centro-gastronomico-de-oaxaca-rootstudio_12-1140x760.jpg)
![Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO 26 Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/centro-gastronomico-de-oaxaca-rootstudio_18-1140x761.jpg)
![Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO 1 Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/centro-gastronomico-de-oaxaca-rootstudio_2.jpg)
![Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO 9 Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/centro-gastronomico-de-oaxaca-rootstudio_3.jpg)
![Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO 7 Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/centro-gastronomico-de-oaxaca-rootstudio_4.jpg)
![Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO 12 Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/centro-gastronomico-de-oaxaca-rootstudio_6.jpg)
![Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO 3 Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/centro-gastronomico-de-oaxaca-rootstudio_7.jpg)
![Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO 16 Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/centro-gastronomico-de-oaxaca-rootstudio_8.jpg)
![Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO 18 Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/centro-gastronomico-de-oaxaca-rootstudio_9.jpg)
![Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO 10 Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/centro-gastronomico-de-oaxaca-rootstudio_10.jpg)
![Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO 30 Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/centro-gastronomico-de-oaxaca-rootstudio_11.jpg)
![Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO 24 Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/centro-gastronomico-de-oaxaca-rootstudio_13.jpg)
![Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO 32 Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/centro-gastronomico-de-oaxaca-rootstudio_14.jpg)
![Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO 31 Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/centro-gastronomico-de-oaxaca-rootstudio_16.jpg)
![Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO 29 Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/centro-gastronomico-de-oaxaca-rootstudio_17.jpg)
![Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO 28 Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/centro-gastronomico-de-oaxaca-rootstudio_19.jpg)
![Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO 21 Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/centro-gastronomico-de-oaxaca-rootstudio_20-1140x760.jpg)
![Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO 53 Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/centro-gastronomico-de-oaxaca-rootstudio_21.jpg)
![Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO 4 Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/centro-gastronomico-de-oaxaca-rootstudio_24.jpg)
![Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO 6 Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/centro-gastronomico-de-oaxaca-rootstudio_23.jpg)
![Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO 22 Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/centro-gastronomico-de-oaxaca-rootstudio_22.jpg)
![Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO 25 Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/screen-shot-2023-06-13-at-18-52-11-9-1140x533.jpg)
![Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO 2 Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/screen-shot-2023-06-13-at-18-56-12-1-1140x550.jpg)
![Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO 5 Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/screen-shot-2023-06-13-at-18-55-49-2-1140x639.jpg)
![Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO 11 Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/screen-shot-2023-06-13-at-18-55-32-3-1140x549.jpg)
![Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO 8 Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/screen-shot-2023-06-13-at-18-55-09-4-1140x631.jpg)
![Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO 20 Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/screen-shot-2023-06-13-at-18-54-51-5-1140x467.jpg)
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![Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO 23 Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/screen-shot-2023-06-13-at-18-53-07-7-1140x561.jpg)
![Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO 27 Oaxaca Gastronomic Center / ROOTSTUDIO](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/screen-shot-2023-06-13-at-18-52-44-8-1140x313.jpg)
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Project Location
Address: C. de Manuel García Vigil 610, RUTA INDEPENDENCIA, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., Mexico
Location is for general reference and may represent a city or country, not necessarily a precise address.