# Community-Supporting Cultural Centers A Community Center in Paraguay Was Built for the Toba People By Francesca Mercurio | Published 2021-08-11 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/toba-qom References: [archdaily](https://www.archdaily.com/966548/house-of-culture-toba-qom-oca?utm_source=feedly&utm_medium=webfeeds&utm_campaign=Feed:+ArchDaily+%28ArchDaily%29) & [archdaily](https://www.archdaily.com/office/oca?ad_name=project-specs&ad_medium=single) Paraguay-based architecture firm, OCA, has designed a [community center](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/utt-empower-soweto) for the local Toba Qom community in Paraguay. The [House of Culture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/house-for-the-elderly) was created to provide a space for this Indigenous community to reconnect and come together over a shared origin, culture, and identity. The structure is to be built by the Toba people using [local materials](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wolves-lane-centre). Karanday trunks are local to the community, hence why they were chosen as the structuring material. The roof is completed with straw to insolate the space, while a metal sheet provides added durability. This new community space is intended to be used by all Toba people - old and young - and features a minimalist interior in order to allow for multiple uses. The structure speaks to the local landscape and to the people who intend to use it. Image Credit: Mauricio Paiva ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.4/10 - Popularity: 32% | Activity: 1% | Freshness: 10% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Architecture](https://www.trendhunter.com/architecture) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Community-centered Architecture:** Architects can explore designing cultural centers with a focus on community inclusivity and involvement. - **Indigenous Design:** Designers can take inspiration from indigenous cultures, their histories, and traditional techniques when creating modern structures. - **Minimalist Interiors:** Minimalist designs can create multi-functional spaces that can better serve community needs. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Architecture:** Architects and developers can explore designing and building community centers that reflect and celebrate the local culture. - **Construction:** Construction companies can specialize in using locally-sourced materials and traditional techniques to build structures that minimize environmental impact and support local communities. - **Cultural Preservation:** Organizations can focus on preserving cultural heritage and providing spaces for cultural expression and connection in underrepresented communities. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Artful Cultural Centers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/centre-des-cultures-et-spiritualits-ews.md) - [Arched Concrete Community Centers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/centro-de-colaboracin-arquitectnica.md) - [Terracotta Concrete Community Centers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/iztapalapa-pilares-community-center.md) - [Primary Color-Rooted Cultural Offices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/santa-tere-espacio.md) - [Toronto Healing Shelters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/anduhyaun-emergency-shelter.md) - [Semi-Open Community Centers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/house-for-the-elderly.md) - [Oaxaca Concrete Community Centers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/centro-dif-comitancillo.md) - [Connecting Community Centers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/utt-empower-soweto.md) - [Contemporary Culture Hubs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tselinny-center.md)