The Whole Process.
Pilagas Crafts House
Focus on supporting local artisan women in their economic independence and indigenous heritage by providing a community center for the production, storage, and sale of handmade crafts.
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Pozo del Tigre. Formosa, Argentina. | ARG 001 | |
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250 mts.2 |  |
Finished: July 1, 2022. |
| Phase | In use. | Type | Community facilities. |
| Target Group | Women. | Partner | Fundación Gran Chaco. |
| Client | Artisan Women of The Pilaga Community. | Donor | eQuality Foundation. |
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Bioclimatic design, locally-produced materials | ||
1. Observe.
Why, context, challenge.
Ancestral Techniques
Today, in Formosas soil, the Aboriginal population is 38,000. The Pilagas live in the center of the province and are distributed in 26 communities. The women are engaged in basketry handicrafts with the leaves of the Carandillo, a sort of shrub-like palm tree that grows in the hills. The task of finding raw material is dangerous because in the mountain lives reptiles and felines. All the pieces are wovenentirely in carandillo palm and using ancestral techniques.
The best craftsmen teach the younger women the art of fabric making unique pieces and transmiting ancient knowledge. There are currently 2600 artesans today in the whole Gran Chaco.Women rights and economical opportunities in indigenous communities are inequal. During the harvest season, men leave and children are raised and educated by their mothers and the artisan women in their community., being their crafts, the only income.
Economic empowerment
This building will give the local indigenous community the opportunity to pass on the knowledge the elders hold. By accompanying women's economic empowerment not only accelerates equality, but also makes them partners in productive, social and environmental growth and development. In addition, strengthening women's networks are the most effective territorial actions for the prevention of gender-based violence.
2. Identify.
Who, target, user, facts.
43%
43% of of indigenous households are affected of extreme poverty.
26
26 communities.
51%
50,6% are artisan women.
3. Approach.
How, strategy, interact
The CRAFTS HOUSE is a place for production, storage and sales, with focus on preserving the work of local indigenous women. It offers a central, accessible location for their work. It is located along a scenic road connecting Argentina with Paraguay.
AUG local architect and sociologist travelled to Formosa and lived together with the members of the community in order to study their particular needs and formulate a room programme.
The project originated from collaboration with sociologists and anthropologists, including Walter Bosisio, is focused on female rights, indigenous heritage, and intercultural exchange. But this wouldn't be possible without the joint efforts of Fundación GRAN CHACO, an organization dedicated to supporting social and community initiatives and ensuring that the centre is used in the most effective and meaningful way.Today, the centre its a point for stop for visitors and tourists that travelled to visit in the area which makes their work more visible and prestigious.
4. Design.
Programmering, development, co-create.
It is a low, long and restrained brick volume placed parallel to the road,The building follows a strict constructive grid of 975mm defined by the standard dimensions of the locally produced bricks. The clay is excavated and baked on site. All the walls are built with solid bricks that improve comfort by increasing thermal mass. Ventilation is enhanced with the introduction of patios and openings in multiple directions.The building was design by the implementation of bioclimatic architecture parameters. The goal was to achieve better energy efficiency and minimise the environmental impact on its surroundings.The bricks are produced by the community itself. While using local materials we are not only collaborating with their economy, but also promoting the use of local resources.
5. Implement.
Work in the field.
At AUG, we uphold the highest standards of integrity. We prevent dishonesty, corruption, and misconduct in all operations. Every donation is used responsibly to support communities, always impartially, without favoring any political party or religion.
6. Evaluate.
Results.
UN Sustainability Goals
Site visit by sociologist & architect
03/17
Drawing Design Delivered
05/19
Municipality Approbal, Budget & Founding
02/20
Start Construction Phase
01/22
Complete
07/22
Who participate
Quique Bayarri Sabariego
Architect - Project Achitect - quique@augnorge.org
Quique Bayarri holds a degree in architecture from the Universitat Politècnica de València, with additional studies in Delft, Madrid, and Granada. Quique has extensive and solid experience at Norwegian architectural firms, ranging from concept development to the execution phase of both residential and office buildings. He has been collaborating with Architects Without Borders Norway (AUG) since 2017 and has been a board member since 2018. He is equally dedicated to finding the best concept for a project as he is to its expression through detailed construction work. With a particular interest in sustainable architecture and construction techniques, he firmly believes that architecture must be influenced by the place where it is built and designed with a primary focus on the users. Quique uses photography as an active tool to explore architecture and the reality around us.
Paola Bornaschella
Architect - Design Director - paola@augnorge.org
Paola holds a master’s degree in architecture from the Faculty of Architecture, Design, and Urbanism at the University of Buenos Aires in Argentina. Paola has a solid experience in architectural design across all phases and scales—from small private buildings to large, complex projects such as masterplans, healthcare facilities, and multifunctional buildings. Paola is a founder, the current design director, and board member of AUG. She is passionate about social architecture. Guided by the belief that architecture is a powerful tool for social change, she advocates for inclusive design that fosters safety, dignity, and equal opportunity—especially in communities where it's needed most.
Nora K. Nordhaug
Architect
Melina Cauchich
Architect - Local Architect - melina@augnorge.org
Melina Cauchich is an architect with complementary training in Fine Arts and extensive experience in planning and executing civil works, gained through more than ten years of work in architectural firms and the infrastructure department of a multinational company. Since 2016, she has been part of Architects Without Borders, playing a key role as a liaison between local communities in Argentina and the team of architects in Norway (AUG). Her work focuses on identifying needs, developing comprehensive projects, and supporting their implementation—always prioritizing collaboration and a positive social impact in favor of sustainable and inclusive architecture.
Walter Bosisio
Sociologist
Maria L. Insegna
Lawyer
Juan Diego Ayala
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