The Clay Pavilion by Álvaro Siza + BAAQ': A Sculptural Brick Sanctuary for Tradition and Community

Located in the serene coastal landscape of Puerto Escondido, Mexico, The Clay Pavilion is a striking architectural project designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Álvaro Siza in collaboration with BAAQ’ Studio. Commissioned by Casa Wabi Foundation, this 140-square-meter structure embodies the fusion of minimalist modern design, local materials, and cultural preservation.

Celebrating Craft and Community

Casa Wabi, an arts center dedicated to social transformation through creativity, identified the need to preserve and pass on the ancestral knowledge of clay handling among the local community, particularly children. The Clay Pavilion was conceived as a space not only to teach traditional clay techniques but also to inspire dialogue and craft.

With this intent, Siza and BAAQ’ designed a pavilion that acts as both a workshop and exhibition space, promoting hands-on learning and interaction through architectural simplicity and spatial honesty.

Architectural Harmony and Local Materials

The semicircular brick wall defines the pavilion’s unique footprint, enclosing a central courtyard housing a traditional clay oven. This wall, built from specially-sized annealed red bricks, emphasizes structural integrity while embracing material authenticity. The rich texture and warm hue of the brick echo the regional architectural language, seamlessly embedding the structure in its environment.

At the heart of the pavilion lies the "Palapa", a soaring 7-meter-high palm-thatched structure inspired by medieval wooden halls of Europe. This open-air canopy shelters a monumental concrete worktable (6x2 meters), serving as a central hub for workshops, clay modeling, and community gatherings.

Functionality and Spatial Composition

The Clay Pavilion includes two additional volumes – an L-shaped storage room for clay and ceramic tools and a sanitary building – all articulated within the curved and angular geometries of the walls. Every spatial element contributes to the fluid movement within the pavilion, from open-air teaching zones to quiet display areas for finished pieces.

The design promotes natural ventilation and light, encouraging eco-conscious building practices. The entire complex harmonizes with its tropical setting, offering a shaded retreat from the sun while remaining open to the landscape.

A Living Monument to Clay Traditions

Through its sculptural form and programmatic clarity, the Clay Pavilion becomes more than a building—it is a living monument to the Mexican clay tradition. Álvaro Siza’s minimalist philosophy, coupled with BAAQ’s local expertise, results in a space where tradition, innovation, and architecture converge.

All the photographs are works of João Morgado