Arisa Icpalli by Pedro Fernandez Cortina

Arisa Icpalli by Pedro Fernandez Cortina is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2025 Mahuizolli A' Design Award Iztacteocuitlatl in Ohtlapechtli Tlachihchihualiztli Competition Category.

IztacteocuitlatlOhtlapechtli· 2025

Arisa Icpalli

by Pedro Fernandez Cortina

Client: Rokam

Mahuizolli A' Design Award Iztacteocuitlatl Winner in Ohtlapechtli Category

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The Design

About Arisa Icpalli

Arisa ce icpalli tlen mochihchiuhtoc ica tlatlamantli achi tlen huelis mosentlalia, tlen moihcuiloh para altepetl kampa nochi tlacameh mopanoltia. Inin icpalli mochihua ica concreto tlen sampa motequihuia huan amo etic, tlen ica mocentlalia tetl, ihqui inon quipia chicahualistli huan amo huei ietica. Itlatamachihual quitoquilia in "golden ratio" (in cualli tlatamachihualistli), huan pampa quipia miac tlacpacyotl, in coconeh huelih tlehcoh, in telpocameh mosentlaliah huan in huehueyi tlacameh mosehuiah. In icolyo tlachihchiuhtli quinyolehua ma mononotzacan tlacameh tlen amo san ce xihuitl quipiah. Miac tlatlamantli huelis mocentlaliah ica occequi tlamantli tlaquetzaliztli, huan inin icpalli cualli mocahua quiahuac ihuan calihtic. Ce tlatlamantli quipia 600 ica 600 ica 1800 milimetros.

The Recognition

About the Mahuizolli A' Design Award Iztacteocuitlatl

Arisa Icpalli ca in quicuic in Mahuizolli A' Design Award Iztacteocuitlatl, hueyi tlamahuizoliztli tlen momaca in huel yectli, tlanextic ihuan mahuiztic tlachihualli. In quicuicah Iztacteocuitlatl ca cenca cualli ihuan cenca yancuic tlachihualli in quinextia in tlamatiliztli, toltecayotl ihuan ixtlamatiliztli intlachihuanime. Ca quinequi in Arisa Icpalli ca cenca cualli, cenca motequiuhtia ihuan yancuic. Ni dizayno in quicuic Iztacteocuitlatl quihuelitia in toltecayotl, tlamatiliztli, dizayno ihuan teknolohia. Arisa Icpalli quiyolchicahua in tlacah, quipaquiltia ihuan quitlamahuiztiltia.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.

Unique Properties: The Arisa bench redefines street furniture by combining aesthetics and functionality in a piece sculpted from Rokam, a type of recycled concrete known for its durability and elegance. Designed by architect Pedro Fernandez Cortina, this bench reflects his innovative approach and desire to transform the way people interact with public spaces.
Dimensions & Packaging: 600 mm x 600 mm x 1800 mm
Tags: bench, concrete, industrial design, sustainable furniture, interaction in public spaces, adaptable furniture, structural innovation, outdoor design, urban landscape, multifunctional furniture, multifunctional furniture
Production Technology: Rokam, our material is manufactured by adding stone material to our mix, resulting in a natural, lightweight and resistant cultured stone. This allows us to create a wide variety of shapes, finishes and geometries, thanks to its unique properties and weight-to-strength ratio.
Design Challenge: The biggest challenge in designing the Arisa bench was to balance aesthetics and functionality. Creating an object that would encourage social interaction in the public space without compromising the durability of the material was key. In addition, there were technical hurdles in working with lightweight concrete, as it had to maintain its strength without the traditional internal structure. This was compounded by production constraints and challenges in exploring organic forms that would invite use and social interaction.
Research: Our research included an exhaustive analysis of the urban furniture available in the market, identifying the lack of options in Mexico that encourage social interaction. We observed that many existing benches do not invite dialogue or coexistence between people of different ages and backgrounds. Through observation methods and surveys, we designed the Arisa bench, designed for everyone, from children to seniors, promoting an accessible and comfortable space. We used 3D modeling tools and lightweight concrete to ensure durability and aesthetics. The results confirm that Arisa not only improves interaction in public space, but also responds to an urgent need for urban furniture in our country.
Inspiration: Inspired by the golden ratio, Arisa features different heights that invite diverse interactions. Children can climb and play, teenagers find a social meeting point, and adults enjoy a comfortable place to rest and connect. More than just a bench, Arisa is a sculptural piece designed to blend into urban environments, fostering a sense of community. Its modular design ensures adaptability across various spaces, offering long-term durability and flexibility.
Project Duration: This product started with 1:10 scale prototypes in 2022 and was launched to the public at the Mextropoli festival in CDMX in September 2024. Where it was presented in the center of the CDMX and in a space called Laguna.
Operation Flow: The Arisa bench is designed to create a meeting space in public environments. Its curved shape invites social interaction, encouraging a natural conversation among those who use it. Made of lightweight concrete, it adapts to both exteriors and interiors, offering versatility in its use. Its modular design allows various pieces to be arranged to form different configurations. It is a piece that invites to be touched, used and enjoyed intuitively, making the environment come alive through the furniture.
Image Credits: Monserrat Castro