Off the record Collective
OFF THE RECORD COLLECTIVE
Project: Merendero Uniendo Fuerzas
Members: Dana Martinez de Nobili, Santiago Bech Rubio, Ailen Gonzalez, Emilia Calleja, Juan Pablo Berbery, Joaquin Rodriguez Althoff, Matias Lien Benitez, Felipe Oeyen, Sebastian Vela, Camila Tolosa, Nicolas Zabala, Valentina Herran, Mijaíl Jara, Belén Sanchez, Martin Pedernera, Micaela Adlerstein, Mateo Olabarrieta, Rosendo Gagliano, Camila Malvino, Josefo Vazquez, Jime Alvela, Noemí and family, Frente Patria Grande Moreno, MTE Moreno (recycling and construction branches), River Plate Fan Subcommittee, residents of Mariló
Contributors: Pedro Yañez, Luis Berbery, Carolina Dayer, Agostina Vacca Arreseigor, Nicolas Beitia, Maria Campione, Juana Mareco, Maria Clara Carrera
Year of Creation: 2024
Location: Mariló, Moreno, Province of Buenos Aires
Contact: [email protected]
Web: https://sites.google.com/view/colectivootr/inicio
IG: https://instagram.com/otrcolectivo
Description, concept, objectives
This project involved the collaborative construction of a roof for a community snack center (merendero). Initiated autonomously and encouraged by Frente Patria Grande of Moreno, ties were established with the MTE space in Moreno. The project was collectively designed and managed alongside Noemí, the local leader of the merendero. The building process took place through open workshop sessions held over four biweekly gatherings. Funding was crowdsourced through social media, enabling supporters to contribute to the purchase of essential materials and supplies.
Activities
The sole purpose of the project was to provide a sheltered space where 15 to 20 children could receive their afternoon snacks on rainy days or during intense summer heat. This premise defined all project variables—form, technique, and stages—within the constraint of completing the roof in just four sessions.
Difficulties
The main difficulties lay in logistics, particularly the transportation of tools and materials, since the collective does not own a vehicle. Funding also depended entirely on public donations via social media. Additionally, coordinating the availability of project members proved challenging, as the initiative did not offer compensation for labor or professional fees.
Future Challenges
Although the project is currently completed, two key components remain pending: laying a small concrete slab to provide a firm gathering surface and installing simple curtains to protect against unwanted views or adverse weather when needed.
