Architectural Cases

Experience the Symbiosis: Where Modern Design Meets Ancient Fungi Cultivation

A New Architectural Landmark at Casa Wabi

On March 4, 2026, a distinctive domed, ellipsoidal pavilion dedicated to mushroom cultivation, conceived by OMA for the Fundo Casa Wabi, officially opened its doors. This architectural addition is situated within Casa Wabi's sprawling 25-hectare estate in Oaxaca, Mexico, nestled along the Pacific coastline, a mere 30-minute drive from the vibrant city of Puerto Escondido. Casa Wabi, an initiative by artist Bosco Sodi, champions the cross-pollination of ideas among diverse artists and local populations. The foundation's original central building, a masterpiece by Japanese architect Tadao Ando, was completed in 2014. The new OMA-designed pavilion enriches the foundation's existing amenities—which include a multi-functional palapa, residential quarters, various studios, a screening room, an auditorium, and an extensive exhibition hall—by providing a dedicated space for mushroom cultivation and encouraging dialogue around food, art, nature, and community engagement.

Innovative Design by OMA New York

The Mushroom Pavilion is the brainchild of OMA's New York office, spearheaded by Shohei Shigematsu, with significant contributions from project architects Shary Tawil and Caroline Corbett. This structure elegantly integrates with its natural surroundings, offering expansive views of the 65-acre landscape that lies between the mountains and the Oaxacan coast. A central oculus links the interior to the sky, while strategic openings along the lower perimeter facilitate natural ventilation. Elevated platforms and a portal within the stepped interior provide panoramic vistas extending towards the ocean, rising above the dense vegetation. The pavilion's 200-square-meter volume curves gently inwards at its base, minimizing its footprint and preserving the delicate ecosystem, particularly the native guayacán tree species.

Optimized Interior for Mushroom Cultivation

This 200-square-meter self-supporting structure serves as a state-of-the-art incubator for mushroom production within the arts organization's campus. Its unique ellipsoidal form was meticulously developed to optimize the internal layout necessary for efficient mushroom cultivation. The domed interior is thoughtfully partitioned into three distinct chambers: a fruiting room, an incubation room, and a storage area, all orbiting a central communal space. The lower sections of the bowl-shaped structure feature stepped tiers, serving as shelves for handcrafted terracotta mushroom pots created by local artisans. The entire mushroom cultivation process is made transparent and observable, thanks to the elliptical shape and stepped interior, creating an immersive, panopticon-like viewing experience.

Architectural Materiality and Community Engagement

Constructed from concrete, the pavilion's shell utilizes a combination of troweled and poured-in-place techniques. Burlap was imprinted onto the exterior surface to interact with the site's iron-rich water, anticipating a natural rusting process that will gradually alter the concrete's appearance over time, fostering a symbiotic relationship between the structure and its environment. This new facility is envisioned not only as a site for cultivating fungi but also as a catalyst for cultural exchange, particularly in the realm of food, by educating the local communities of Puerto Escondido about mushroom growth. The harvested produce will also be incorporated into the culinary offerings of both the Casa Wabi Foundation and Hotel Escondido.

OMA's Expanding Global Footprint

The Mushroom Pavilion at Casa Wabi represents OMA's inaugural completed project in Mexico. Recent announcements from the firm include the upcoming inauguration of the New Museum expansion in New York City on March 21st, which will feature an exhibition on humanity. Further developments are anticipated in 2026 for Albania's Selman Stërmasi Stadium, following OMA / David Gianotten's triumph in a competition to revitalize the historic venue and its surrounding area in April 2025. OMA has also recently contributed to the design of two significant exhibitions: Countryside: A Place to Live, Not to Leave, which delves into contemporary rural life and how these areas adapt to global shifts, and Louis Vuitton: Visionary Journeys, a spatial exploration of the Maison's 170-year creative heritage, featuring zones dedicated to its history, craftsmanship, iconic designs, and cultural collaborations.

In Borgo San Lorenzo, a transformative architectural endeavor has reimagined the Foro Boario, converting a neglected zone into a dynamic public area that fosters a renewed sense of belonging. The central feature, an expansive canopy in a distinctive rose-terracotta hue, serves as a powerful symbol of community convergence and an iconic urban landmark. This bold design choice not only enhances the visual landscape but also embodies an architectural philosophy deeply connected to the needs and aspirations of the local inhabitants, effectively revitalizing the once-marginalized site.

The project, crafted by Caret Studio Associato, demonstrates a profound understanding of the site's potential for social regeneration. By creating a visually striking yet functionally inclusive structure, the architects have successfully integrated the new development within the existing urban fabric, ensuring it serves as a focal point for social interaction and civic pride. The choice of materials and the innovative use of color further emphasize its role as a welcoming beacon within Borgo San Lorenzo.

This initiative stands as a testament to the power of thoughtful architectural intervention in restoring identity and promoting community cohesion. The reimagined Foro Boario not only provides an aesthetically pleasing environment but also serves as a catalyst for public engagement and local development. It exemplifies how modern design, when informed by community values, can create spaces that are both beautiful and profoundly meaningful, uplifting the spirit of the entire region.