This project accommodates a wide array of functions, everything from skateboarding to tightrope walking, but what exactly is it? It seems a bit inarticulate to call a project like the Merida Factory Youth Movement by Selgas Cano a building, because, even though it is built, it does much more than act as single building. Maybe it’s better to call it a constructed body covered by a luminous canopy, or an assemblage of programmatic volumes without air conditioning. Whatever we call it, the kids in Merida, Spain are lucky to have such a great-looking place to assemble, skate and tightrope walk. The architects are also lucky to have Iwan Baan photograph the space and make it look as great as it does. Not that they need help! It’s just that his photos are always excellent.

Alex