Figueras Polo Stables by Estudio Ramos

_project: Figueras Polo Stables
_architecture: Estudio Ramos
_location: General Rodríguez, Argentina

Architecture plays a critical role in designing sports venues that are not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing and culturally relevant. The Figueras Polo Stables, designed by Estudio Ramos, is a perfect example of how a building can successfully balance the needs of functionality and aesthetics while contributing to the wider conversation about the relationship between sports venues and architecture.

The Figueras Polo Stables project was designed for a good friend of the architect, who is a promoter of the sport of polo and has a unique horse breed. The challenge was to design a building that could minimize the impact on the landscape while showcasing the client's horses. In an interview, the architect described the design process as a creative journey that required a lot of time, dedication, and frustration. He emphasized the importance of not being comfortable with the first beautiful idea and trying different solutions and ideas to produce good architecture.

In terms of balancing functionality with aesthetics, the architect emphasized that the program and the client always come first. The building needs to exist to serve a purpose, and its design should negotiate with its program. He believes that when functionality and morphology work well together and feed from each other, something special happens.

The completed Figueras Polo Stables have been a great host for the client's endeavor to promote the sport of polo and bring people closer to the equestrian world. The architect believes that sports venues should be thought not only for the performance of the game but also for what the game generates in the community. He emphasized that these spaces should be designed to bring people together, foster friendship and community, and provide a space for gathering, not just for playing the sport.

The architect’s approach of balancing functionality with aesthetics while keeping the program and the client's needs in mind has resulted in a building that minimizes its impact on the landscape, showcases the client's unique horse breed, and provides a space for gathering and community.

_article written by Daniela Moreira Silva
_film by Architecture Hunter & Matias Lix Klett
_cover image courtesy of Estudio Ramos
_drawings by Estudio Ramos:

1. Site Plan

2. Ground Floor Plan

3. Axonometric Plan

4. Exploded Axonometric

5. Cut

6. Drawing

7. Drawing

8. Drawing

9. Drawing

10. Drawing

11. Drawing