Location: Barrio Escalante, San José, Costa Rica
Year: 2016
Area: 966 m2

Lolita is an urban food court located in Barrio Escalante, one of Costa Rica’s most visited and relevant culinary locations. Previously an upscale neighborhood, Barrio Escalante has become a hotspot for locals and tourists alike, resulting in high pedestrian traffic and an active social scene. The area also hosts several public transportation nodes such as bus stops, a train station and urban bike rentals.

The site is made up of two properties with a historical building between them. Because of it’s irregular geometry, spaces are arranged using the same program scheme so as to maintain an order.  Historic and newly built architecture remains in the front, whereas the common and natural areas are located in the back. In doing so, passersby get a clear view of the dining options and are invited to discover the green social areas within.

A framed volume with the same height as neighboring buildings serves as the main entrance to the project. It simultaneously provides shading and creates a tunnel to enable cross ventilation to occur. Eateries are layed out on the sides of the frame whilst circulation and dining areas are set on the central space.  As users navigate the project they are led to varying social areas where activities such as live music, open air theatre and temporary marketplaces take place.

The materials and color palette used are based on existing ones found throughout Barrio Escalante so as to integrate the project to its environment. In addition, the varying vegetation, furniture arrangement  and murals within the interior areas create dynamic spaces that change seasonally.