Lily O’Brien

About

Lily is an architectural designer based in London. After graduating from the University of Bath in 2021, she spent two years in ADS9 experimenting with the architectonic language of lightness. Her final project, “Casa de Big Mami” draws inspiration from the vibrant and surreal world of Lucha Libre, proposing an integrated space for the Luchadoras, bringing together the domestic with the extravagant.

Casa de Big Mami:

Big Mami is a flamboyant, larger-than-life Luchadora in Mexico’s exuberant wrestling spectacle, Lucha Libre. Based in the Xochimilco district of Mexico City, this proposal celebrates Luchadoras such as Big Mami by offering vibrant and glamorous arena spaces for their performances, alongside dedicated areas for their daily activities.

Composed of a series of interconnected woven shells, the building’s inner layer is a tapestry of colour, fabric, and embellishments, reflecting the visual culture of the Luchadoras through a tectonic language inspired by the construction of masks and costumes. 

Historically, the roles of Luchadoras were confined to domestic activities, creating a divide between their everyday and professional lives. This project aims to bridge that gap, allowing Big Mami and other Luchadoras to perform all aspects of their lives under one roof.

Internal spaces are divided through the expression of the roof, materiality, low-level plinth walls, and changes in ground condition, allowing for the possibility of multiple activities happening across the site concurrently. At the centre of the building is a large open space where the main arena is situated. The ground slopes gently toward this central area, creating an amphitheatre-like topography. Moving out toward the peripheries, the large spaces transition into smaller, intricately detailed domestic areas.

The building reflects the visual and material culture of Lucha Libre, employing the same construction techniques used in the creation of Luchadoras’ masks and costumes. A thick, rigid fabric connects the shells and is tied back to the primary frame using mask lacing techniques. Lighting, speakers, and electricity are integrated into the structure, anchored to the shells through this same rigid fabric. The structure consists of small individual steel members that twist and interlock, forming a continuous interwoven frame designed to span large distances. Fabric is used to alter light, colour, and sound, creating different spatial conditions across the building. Softer fabrics reduce noise in smaller areas, while reflective materials in performance spaces enhance acoustics and amplify colours.

By blending performance arenas with domestic spaces, this project challenges the traditional separation between work and home. This approach ensures that the building supports all aspects of the Luchadoras’ lives, from their dramatic performances to their everyday routines. Through this integration, the project creates a continuous story of empowerment, community, and expression.