This public sculpture was conceived as an ephemeral replica of “The Column Hall” of the archeological site of “La Quemada” (literally “The Burnt”) in Zacatecas, Mexico. The 5 actual scale columns were built using reused cardboard boxes in one of the main squares of Zacatecas City and were burnt reenacting the actual destruction of “The Column Hall” more than 7 centuries ago. “La Quemada Publica” (“The Public Burning”) was constructed and destroyed by a group in a collective and cooperative action; any external agent or institution could not impose its use and conservation. The group transformed into a critical collective by engaging in decisions about their labor and production (duration of shifts, materials, techniques; use, permanence and destruction of the columns). This work addresses alienation through collective and critical labor and the politics of conservation especifically but not only related to historical edifices.