An inventive and historically rooted public square. In the words of Dezeen: A cafe, playroom and gallery are tucked beneath the artificial topography of this undulating public square in Mexico by architect Enrique Norten of TEN Arquitectos. Located in the city of Puebla, the square was constructed to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Puebla, when the invading French army were defeated by the Mexicans despite being larger and better-equipped. Lamp posts dotted around the square denote the number of battalions that fought, while the 150 trees planted signify each year that has passed since the event. Timber benches sprout out from the timber-decked hills, which also slope up at the edges to create viewpoints overlooking the city centre. To see Dezeen’s full profile of the project as well as a complete photo gallery, click here.

An inventive and historically rooted public square.

In the words of Dezeen:

A cafe, playroom and gallery are tucked beneath the artificial topography of this undulating public square in Mexico by architect Enrique Norten of TEN Arquitectos. Located in the city of Puebla, the square was constructed to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Puebla, when the invading French army were defeated by the Mexicans despite being larger and better-equipped. Lamp posts dotted around the square denote the number of battalions that fought, while the 150 trees planted signify each year that has passed since the event. Timber benches sprout out from the timber-decked hills, which also slope up at the edges to create viewpoints overlooking the city centre.

To see Dezeen’s full profile of the project as well as a complete photo gallery, click here.