Pabellon Cuervo: A Contemporary Music Venue

Reimagining an Empty Warehouse for the Young Crowd

The Pabellon Cuervo, designed by Juan Chavez and Mariano Badaracco, is a unique music venue that transforms an empty warehouse into a contemporary space for concerts and events. With its industrial aesthetic and versatile design, this venue has become a popular destination for music lovers in Mexico City.

The inspiration behind the design of Pabellon Cuervo was the strong industrial character of the space. Chavez and Badaracco decided to embrace and highlight these roots by repurposing shipping containers for bars and bathrooms, using industrial materials in innovative ways, and incorporating a space factory-style floor painting throughout the venue. The result is a visually striking and cohesive design that reflects the venue's industrial heritage.

One of the key features that sets Pabellon Cuervo apart is its ability to adapt to different types of events. The space can be disassembled and rebuilt in just a matter of days, allowing for flexibility and customization. This versatility has made it a popular choice for a wide range of concerts and festivals.

Despite a limited budget, Chavez and Badaracco were able to create a contemporary look by reusing and upcycling materials. Containers previously used in festivals were cut, welded, and rebuilt to serve as bars, while scaffolding structures framed all exits and provided support for signage. The VIP area and main bars were specially designed and constructed with durability in mind, using steel and wheels to allow for multiple configurations.

Pabellon Cuervo can accommodate up to 4,000 people at maximum capacity, but the design also allows for the reduction of space if desired. The movable bars and counter bars can be displayed as one large unit or divided into smaller sections. The venue also features a VIP area with lounges and a separate bar, as well as a designated space called Cuervo Spot, where Jose Cuervo Tequila Brand can host their clients or customers during shows.

The project was a collaborative effort, with Juan Chavez, Mariano Badaracco, Angel Trujillo, and Claudia Collado working together to bring the design to life. The production was carried out by OCESA, one of the clients, with their providers, while the agency supervised the construction to ensure that the design objectives were met.

Located in Colonia Granjas Mexico, adjacent to the Palacio de los Deportes, Pabellon Cuervo has quickly become a prominent venue in Mexico City's music scene. It operates as a rental space for concerts and festivals, hosting an average of 4 to 15 events per month. The project is an ongoing work in progress, with continuous improvements being made based on client feedback and evolving needs.

The Pabellon Cuervo design was recognized with an Iron A' Design Award in 2018. This prestigious award is given to well-designed, practical, and innovative creations that meet professional and industrial requirements. The venue's integration of industry best practices, competent technical characteristics, and contribution to a better world were all factors in its recognition.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Juan Chávez and Mariano Badaracco
Image Credits: Juan Chávez and Mariano Badaracco
Project Team Members: Juan Chavez Mariano Badaracco Angel Trujillo Claudia Collado
Project Name: Pabellon Cuervo
Project Client: Juan Chávez and Mariano Badaracco


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