VITR
The Project originates from the intervention of a pre-existent building located in the western area of Mexico City, reshaping it into a home-office space, with clear conditions and an eye set into the pre-existing circumstances. The design solution takes on a residential structure from the second half of the 20th century and recycles it into a project that integrates with its immediate natural environment, shattering the hegemony of the high walls behind which the neighboring houses hide, in order to establish a dialogue that transcends the physical limitations of the project. The variations in the depths of different planes, offer the environment a living façade, where the interior activity is guessed from the visual filters that concede intimacy to the interior spaces. The interior-exterior duality breaks its context’s routine, offering a canvas of textures where the concrete and granite give way to the mildness of the metal and the lightness of plastic fabrics. To the exterior, the housing peeks out without invading; whilst opening in the interior, subtlety exposing itself, balancing the volumes that are inserted in the territory. An interplay of planes occurs inside allowing the versatility of spaces by the movement of long-distance sliding screens and walls formed by timber that contrasts in warmth and complexity with the sobriety of the stone coatings and apparent concrete of the enclosures. A new stairway, based on steel strips, reactivates the space where the old one stood, which gave an opportunity to re-signify the ambiance of the circulations as an experience of sculptural character. The front yard of the house marks the limits of the construction and together with the water mirrors and vegetation orient the route beneath a suspended long cover. The architectural program revolves around the home in the ground floor, leaving the studio in a privileged condition towards the garden. The living spaces in the first level have terraces and views to the exterior between and through a façade woven of plastic cables that mimics and melts together with the thick vegetation of the existing trees. The terraces and windows allow for optimal ventilation, illumination and contextualization between the exterior and interior. In the top level, the project offers a view above itself of the wooded horizon from a roof garden that elevates to a higher plane the introspection, belonging and pertinence of itself.
Egaligilo Pavilion
EGALIGILO Modern architecture has remained valid through history as human understanding of functional spaces, in the pavilion, this is represented by an orthogonal geometric enclosure composed by puzzle shaped concrete pieces, that modulates the pavilion’s dimensions and its steel structure. On the other hand, parametric architecture is represented by an organic skin formed by white concrete circles, that strives to demonstrate its aesthetic value, to break the barrier of traditional paradigm, rationality of thought and to create its own language through technological development. Egaligilo Pavilion is an installation and represents the tension between traditional and parametric architecture acting as an equalizer of forces between them, while preserving a natural environment inside. Egaligilo means Equalizer in Esperanto, a language created to facilitate international communication. Design and architecture have to act as a change agent, as a tool for facing global challenges and generating solutions to improve the quality of life of our communities. Egaligilo attains a constant interaction with its surroundings, and as it blends in with the public space, it also holds a living oasis inside, in which symbolism is exalted and gives the visitor the capacity to connect with the natural environment. The pavilion creates its own microclimate by preserving a series of atmospheric conditions required to maintain a small cloud forest on the inside, by allowing light and rain to seep inside through both skins, keeping the plants alive. The openings between the overlapping skins and the effects of artificial lighting, create different scenarios throughout the day, inviting the spectator to enter the pavilion redefining the narrow limit between inside and outside. Finally, the Pavilion seeks to raise awareness about the recycling of ephemeral structures and the main purpose of architecture: benefit humanity. Egaligilo as an example of this, after being visited by more than 10,000 people during 6 months outside Tamayo Museum, in Mexico City, is now waiting to be relocated to a struggling community that can benefit from this pavilion adapted to fit another function and be useful for a longer period of time.
Glorieta Cibeles Tower
The Glorieta Cibeles Tower is a complete up-cycle of a 1979 74m tall and slender 18 story office structure that had been abandoned and deemed unsafe after the historic 1985 earthquake; it is located at the Cibeles fountain rotunda in the Roma neighborhood, one of the most emblematic and historic areas of the city with an eclectic mix of architecture. The transformation comprised 4 fundamental axes: aesthetic and tectonic design; structure and resilience; comfort and functionality; and sustainability, considering both operational and embodied energy. The tower is designed as a sculptural inhabitable obelisk. We took advantage of the site’s pentagonal shape to detonate its main edge towards the rotunda 10m above its previous total height, then dropping the facade towards its back edge to create a new exiting profile that engages in a dialogue with the city’s skyline, reinforcing the location importance within the city. The facade is elegant and timeless incorporating a highly efficient double glazing. The reflectiveness gives the Tower an illusory quality; it stands out revitalizing, simultaneously blending in with its surrounding, thoughtful and respectful of the site. For the renovation we first had to deal with structural concerns utilizing an array of strategies. First, we had to fix the Tower’s 60cm tilt toward the east, subsequently adding an additional 33 new pilings. Above ground, we regularized its shape to avoid frame distortions during earthquakes. We then reinforced the existing structure utilizing steel bracing and concrete rejuvenating epoxy injections. Finally, we incorporated 4 viscous structural dampers at each floor that reduced up to 60% of earthquake strength. This allowed us to even remove a column that hindered interior spaces deriving in a a radical change from its foundation upward, something totally unseen in a seismic location like Mexico City. The core was redesign and relocated to its eastern side resulting in greater open floors with expansive panoramic views and natural light in all directions, larger spacious elevators and a sculptural staircase, creating a comfortable greatly improved interior mobility and quality. The new lobby became a double height, light-filled welcoming space with a reflective ceiling and beautiful bookcase marble finish that contrasts with its gilded ever-present structural counterparts. The tower is crowned by lush green roof gardens of imposing vegetation and a pleasant microclimate that serve as unique relaxing spaces, representing over a third of the total plot space. Added to the incredible high complexity, we strived to achieve the outmost possible sustainability. The tower is Leed Platinum certified achieving 36.5% in total energy, 56% in artificial lighting, 67% in HVAC and 41% in water savings; additionally, by recycling the structure, a 50% reduction in embodied carbon was accomplished. It is also a transit oriented development. Our intervention demonstrates that old deteriorated structures can be revitalized while exceeding all the current requirements of comfort, efficiency, sustainability, resiliency and flexibility expected from a new building, becoming an example of responsible and innovative architecture and development. The result is a icon of urban recovery.
Glorieta Insurgentes Tower
URBAN RESCUE: Urban acupuncture, an improvement to the damaged infrastructure of the city to promote and trigger its potential and development. The Glorieta Insurgentes Tower project was designed on the insertion as an urban acupuncture needle in one of the nerve points of the city, becoming a spearhead in the rescue of the area named Glorieta Insurgentes roundabout and public plaza, that is a public transportation hub where the first Metro & Bus Rapid Transit lines have been built around. In addition, in the roundabout converge some of the most emblematic neighborhoods of the city such as the Colonia Roma, the Colonia Condesa, the Colonia Juarez, and the Zona Rosa where several hundreds of thousands of city dwellers pass daily to connect to their various destinations. Our development helped to transform and improve this forgotten area that had been deteriorating with the passing of the years and the little attention that it had received, situation that has dramatically changed by the intervention and construction that Glorieta Insurgentes Tower brought to the zone. On the premises, laid an abandoned building since the 1985 earthquake full of graffiti, it is worth emphasizing one of which indicated “NO LIMIT”, which precisely describes our feeling as architects when approaching the project with the vision to foresee an urban rescue, through a project that revitalized the space. Fortunately, now the whole roundabout and plaza have been recently refurbished as well. As part of the improvement of the surroundings close to the Tower, we took on the task to take action into Nice square in the north-east, with the aim of promoting the use of the recreational public space by offering a quality environment to develop physical activities. The conception of the project included from the outset the principals of comfort and experience of the inhabitant, functionality, sustainability and energy efficiency with LEED Platinum Certification, transit oriented development with TOD Standard Silver Certification, seismic resilience, construction quality, characteristics of materials and ease of maintenance. The Tower stands as a landmark in Mexico City with an elegant and timeless design, which articulates Chapultepec Avenue with the Insurgentes Roundabout taking its semicircular shape & detonating it vertically to develop an office building of 26 levels above ground with a 120 m height. The Tower has direct access to the public transportation hub connecting the plaza through a new pedestrian path underground, encouraging the use of public & alternative transport in a city where movement is a major issue. The design of the different spaces has been carefully studied to enhance user experience. The Lobby greats the user immersed in light accented by a reflective aluminum ceiling that amplifies the space while making a poetic reflection in terms of the movement of the people thorough the building. The office slabs offer wide comfortable spaces that are surrounded by a double layer high efficiency low-e glass curtain wall allowing 360º panoramic city views enjoying lots of natural light. The Penthouse Office Space boasts an impressive double height. The floor plan has a 91% area efficiency due a compact service core without sacrificing comfort or functionality. The concrete structural slabs have undergone a polishing process which serves as final finish that looks great apart from being 50% more resistant and maintenance free reducing materials & weight. The tower has amenities for further comfort, an 800 people double height multi-purpose hall with retractile bleachers in the 8th floor as well as vegetated roof-gardens representing 20% of the plot area on top of the parking structure. The Tower is a Smart Building with 57.9% in energy savings and up to 100% water savings, during rainy season, due to a combination of design strategies & technologies which include: totally automated lighting & shading system with occupancy sensing, daylight harvesting, dimming & scheduling through the entire building that calculates the optimal settings taking into account indoor, outdoor & orientation conditions; efficient façade design with thermal gain blockage; individualized by floor air conditioning with a cost effective VRF System; roof solar panels producing approximately 50% of the needs of common space; total water treatment including harvested rainwater & wastewater; a Building Management System with a large video wall showcasing in real time all the information about the different systems in a very visual graphs & stats way, including pedestrian and vehicular access, fire detection, pumping systems, water treatment plants, cisterns, emergency plants, diesel levels, energy sub-metering, ventilation and extraction, a/c, lighting control, electrical and water consumption, maintenance programming & CCTV, making it a building with optimal operation with zero over cost. The structural solution was a special challenge taking in mind Mexico’s seismic conditions as well the plot constrains. So we developed in collaboration with the structural engineer a hybrid steel-concrete structure of a single frame bay with very wide clearings to offer versatile spaces supported by few mega-columns as well as an ultra-resistant foundation consisting of 54 m deep stilts and a 1 m thick structural slab. Being of very difficult access, we engineered a solution for concrete production on site with particular specifications & high resistance producing more than 36,000 cubic yards of concrete complemented with 6,700 tonnes of structural steel and 2,300 tonnes of rebar.
Kering Mexico
The goal was to create a space that was dynamic and calm, while ensuring comfortness, safety and wellness of employees. Taking into consideration the thermal, lightand acoustic comfort, the building welcomes natural lighting throughout, illustrating Kering’s commitment to a healthier work environment. The office space sits within two levels of a corporate building and is linked by a sculptural helicoidal staircase., which serves as a focal element that can be seen from anywhere from the office. Interior partitions of the offices are constructed of transparent and curved glass at their corners, which creates a bold, dynamic contrast to the neutral interior. The materials chosen for the office include wood, concrete, and glass, and the color palette is based on natural colors: black, white, grey, and beige. The minimalist and monochromatic style of the office welcome employees and visitors to a dynamic and open space. Many of the materials used in the design are from Mexico: • Recinto stone, which is a volcanic stone coming from an area near Mexico City; • Chukum finish on the walls; the chukum comes from the bark of a tree that can be found in Yucatan, and this technique originated in Mayan culture. In addition, the majority of the décor, such as the furniture pieces, were created by Mexican artisans and designers such as Mola, Fraga, La Metropolitana, and Veta, among others. With sustainability at the heart of Kering’s mission, the offices were designed for a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold certification, a green building certification program used worldwide. Air-circulation, paintings, adhesives, sealants, indoor acoustic insulation, ventilation systems, and lighting codes are some of the aspects that were considered in the project to fulfill the certification. In this year’s Corporate Knights Global 100 Index, Kering placed first in the Clothing and Accessory Retail category for its sustainability performance during 2020 and was the only luxury group in the ranking. The Group also placed seventh among the leading 100 companies across all industries. This achievement was followed by the release of BoF’s Sustainability Index, which placed Kering first and named the Group the Most Sustainable Fashion Company.
KOMA Restaurant
The conceptualization and development of a restaurant are always a design challenge for the Architect since they need to reflect the essence, the intentions and the whims of the kitchen to transform them into a functional, warm and inviting space. The restaurant is located on Avenida las Palmas, in one of the most emblematic intersections of Lomas de Chapultepec in Mexico City. Upon arriving at the plaza, a sculptural facade greets you composed of two monolithic yet perpendicular surfaces that meet but do not touch; One of a shiny black glass and another of an opaque grey granite. In between them they reveal, almost by accident, the wood wall, composed of individual triangles that come together to reveal the texture. Upon entering, we find a dimly lit tunnel; On the left side, there is a semitransparent silver curtain that suggests an atmosphere of mystery, on the right side we have black glass that floats on a very dim line of light. This tunnel ends with a lattice of bottles that shows and indicates circulation; at the same time, it is a preamble to the intimate experience experienced inside the restaurant. When continuing the journey we find on the right the kitchen, whose walls are a continuation of the black glass of the main façade with two openings, one access and one exit, both with a polished brass lining When entering the main hall, we are greeted with a wall of mirrors floating on a gold leaf background that balances the length of the space. On that same wall there are four honey colored banquettes that are separated with a softly glowing prismatic glass partition that that gives them a lively touch and a bit privacy. This way the diners live a different environment, although they are next to the rest of the tables. This difference in environments is felt when, juxtaposed with the rectilinear arrangement of the benches results in an organic arrangement of the tables that responds to the wavy wooden walls built with meticulously manufactured triangles that delimit the living room. This contrast is also felt in the level of illumination that surrounds both spaces and the materials used; the iridescent curtain against the clear wood, the light wood against the stone, the stone against the black mirror. At the far left of the room, the granite and black glass coexist; the black glass is a door that hides inside the granite walls. When opened, a private room appears that can be integrated or completely isolated from the main dining area. In front of this access, the silver curtain is repeated, which serves to give privacy to the users of the private lounge. At the other end there is a sliding glass wall that connects and can be integrated into the main room with the terrace-bar. The curtains flank both ends, giving intimacy and privacy but also a glimpse of the other activities beyond. The privacy and intimacy in the spaces was a very important design requirement and is reflected in the other two private dining rooms. The first of them is independent of the other areas of diners, has its own access and is the most discreet and sheltered; from its interior the adjacent wine cellar can be appreciated, giving you also an increased the feeling of spaciousness. In the dining room itself there is a long image that simulates a long window with an exterior landscape that illuminates and gives life to the room. The second private dining room one is a circular space, where the table has the same shape and a very dramatic atmosphere. The table lies perfectly lit, crowned by a dome in the form of a semi-sphere lined in Gold leaf, which favors the sensation of height. In this space diners can clearly appreciate the meal offered while their faces are dim and softly lit, making food the main protagonist. Once in the terrace the sensations change. The architectural language evolves and becomes exterior,natural and organic. Backlit vines climb the wall and blend with the roof structure. Opposite of them is a golden mural with organic motifs that serves as a backrest for a long, uninterrupted mirror, reminding us of the interior, but at the same time, transformed. As the unifying element of both walls is a pair of shelves, translucent and illuminated that seem to float, and that invite us to enjoy and relax. On the terrace, formality is exchanged in benefit of coexistence. At the center there is a tree that serves as a bench and coasters. At the back, the central piece is the bar - gold brass frames the strong geometry of the front while glowing translucent shelves highlight the brightly colored bottles, serving as backdrop for the harmonic and rhythmic dance of the bartender.
Lavo
Lavo is more than a restaurant—it is a journey of discovery where architecture and gastronomy intertwine, merging the shared traditions of Italian and Mexican cuisine with an immersive and emotionally charged experience. The design unfolds as a carefully curated sequence of spaces, guiding visitors through an interplay of contrasts: intimacy and openness, tradition and modernity, shadow and light. From the moment guests arrive, the space naturally leads them forward. The entrance draws them into a softly lit, enveloping space where a sculptural staircase becomes the protagonist, marking both the beginning and culmination of the experience. This sense of fluidity extends through the interiors, where dynamic spatial transitions create moments of surprise and discovery. On the ground floor, a more intimate scale enhances the atmosphere, with columns supporting interwoven vaults. A carefully designed lighting scheme casts a soft glow, evoking a starry night. In contrast, the upper level opens up into a high-ceilinged terrace, flooded with natural light and a relaxed atmosphere, ensuring each visit feels fresh and unique. Materiality plays a central role in shaping Lavo’s identity. Craftsmanship comes to life through hand-painted ceramics, custom-designed furniture, and murals that transform walls into living canvases. One of the most striking elements is found in an intimate space on the upper level: a continuous vaulted ceiling covered with hand-painted tiles. Each tile, meticulously crafted in collaboration with local artisans, nods to the shared ceramic traditions of Mexico and Italy, reinforcing the restaurant’s cultural dialogue. Vegetation further enhances the sensory experience, weaving through the interiors like a secret garden. Native plants and lush greenery reinforce the connection to place, reminiscent of the traditional courtyards of Mexican architecture. Art is a defining thread that ties the narrative together. Murals, inspired by the frescoes of Italian villas, soften the walls with rich textures and color, adding layers of storytelling. Rather than serving as mere decorative elements, these artistic interventions contribute to the space’s identity, inviting guests to engage with the design on a personal level. The furniture, designed specifically for the project, plays with soft, inviting forms and a selection of patterns and textures that balance warmth with a subtle touch of playfulness. Every detail—from the materials chosen to the way light interacts with surfaces—has been thoughtfully considered to create a space that feels both refined and welcoming. As guests move through Lavo, each visit offers something new to uncover: a hidden detail in a mural, an unexpected texture, or a handcrafted element that deepens the space’s narrative. At its core, Lavo is a place of continuous exploration, where every moment is designed to heighten the senses and create an unforgettable experience.
Ling Ling
The famous Ling Ling restaurant is situated at a privileged location in Mexico City, on the top floor of one of the tallest skyscrapers on Paseo de la Reforma avenue. The restaurant’s goal is to create an attractive and versatile ambiance that invites guests to extend their stay from day to night, enjoying a relaxed experience together with the best views of the city. The restaurant’s interior design concept started out from the idea of creating a space recalling the grand courtyards and terraces so characteristic of Mexican architecture. How to generate the sensation of being in a courtyard on the 56th floor? This was one of the greatest challenges in the design of the project, with the formal approach and the design process using structural elements and construction methods that helped to blur the boundary between architecture and interior design. As a result, the idea emerged of a triple-height space with a porticoed structure and lush vegetation. Employing an extensive palette of vegetable hues and light as the driving force of the whole project, the restaurant unfolds as a site full of character and texture, both inside and out. With this in mind, each space and room responds directly to the desire to enhance the views and experience offered by the location. Surrounded by exuberant vegetation, the terrace becomes the true heart of the project, creating an environment hard to imagine on the 56th floor of a corporate skyscraper. This space benefits from the triple height and corner location to surprise guests with a glazed atrium structure offering 270° views across the whole city. Meanwhile, the inner salon and dining room are enclosed within a vaulted structure constructed using wood stereotomy techniques, highlighted by gentle illumination and fitted out with purpose-built furniture. Thanks to the client’s openness to ideas, the design process included the opportunity to experiment with the brand logo to create a wooden structure for the screen of the main lobby. This element is a great example of how an architectural design can become part of the official image of a brand.
Noox Buenavista
Facing the restoration of a building is sometimes more complicated than building a new one, not only because there are parts with a historical value that have to be preserved; but also because of the state of the construction, since it is seldom unknown in what conditions it is before starting the project. Therefore, the project for the remodeling of this building was an important challenge for our group of architects, since it implied adopting very different strategies to those that would be developed in an empty land without any building. The reasons that led to remodeling this building instead of demolishing and building a new one, were very diverse; but they were mainly based on the historical value gifted to the user, that live in a place retaining the charm of the past, but also that has the modern comforts: making the most of the original materials and construction finishes. Of course, there is also a sustainability issue in which the recycling of the building (By preventing its demolition and the corresponding energy cost involved in building it again); reduces the ecological footprint in a very important way. Therefore, we consider that a clear and decisive intervention with modern materials was much more respectful than others that, after presenting a false respect towards the past, they try to copy styles and forms that have fallen into disuse, and create in the end false historical styles. Mainly a building like this, that although, it was built during the decade of the 40s in an urban context with a lot of historical value, this one in particular, did not have its own clearly defined style, although it is conceived as an element that is integrated into a public square that generates different harmonious sets very important in the area. The project is located a few blocks away from the old Buenavista train station, the Chopo Museum and the Revolution Monument; as well as the Paseo de la Reforma; they represents symbols and important landmarks of Mexico City. The original building functioned for more than 50 years as a hotel that hosted those who arrived by train to Mexico City. After 20 years of having remained unused; in the 2016 it was in a very important state of deterioration, which led to its intervention as part of an urban and heritage rescue project The principal idea was to restore a building located in an area that has, once again taken an important dynamism within the city, take advantage of its previous function and assign a new use according to current needs. In this case, we generate a new concept of ultra-small residential spaces (designed for one or 2 people) who reside either temporarily, or semi-permanently in them, equipped with all the services to satisfied all their needs, and being designed in a creative and functional way. To counteract the small interior space, the building was provided with very generous, fun and well-designed indoor and outdoor common areas, such as lobbies, terraces, recreational areas (multimedia room), sports (gym and swimming lane) and artistic (engraving workshop), among others. A very important area of the project is the exterior terrace of the 4th level; an area previously unused, dedicated exclusively to service areas and location of water tanks and facilities in general, where a large part of these recreational areas are located (gymnasium, of multiple uses, lane and swim), in addition to an edible vertical garden for consumption of the users of the property, which in turn lives and merges with the public square located directly opposite the building and which allows to extend the view to the skyline of the city center. The general concept of this restoration was based on respecting the original architectural design of the building, organized around a central courtyard covered by a structure based on metal reinforcements which were raised and freed to obtain a greater spatial amplitude, that allowed to achieve a greater lighting and natural ventilation, and also were turned to obtain a better solar orientation; mainly because to the structure was installed a cover based on photovoltaic panels, which provide enough energy to cover the electricity consumption of the common areas of the building.
Design House 2023 Kitchen
Design House, the flagship platform of Design Week Mexico, returns in its fifteenth edition, solidifying its position as a benchmark in the world of design and architecture.This year, we were invited to intervene in the kitchen of the house. The task consisted of designing a new kitchen and building it in time for the inauguration of the Design House, as well as providing maintenance during the exhibition. The Cuaik CDS team, in collaboration with Molteni&C and Grupo Cuarit, carried out this task in one month, from design and conceptualization to construction and assembly of the space. We approached this project as an opportunity to blend functionality and aesthetics on a blank canvas. Here, our goal was clear: to create a monochromatic space that breaks with conventions and distinguishes itself from traditional kitchens. The color red emerges as the central element transforming the visual experience of the space. But why red? Beyond its aesthetic appeal, this choice serves a deeper purpose. Red becomes a beacon that guides our attention to the focal point of the house, a space that promotes interaction and connection within Design House. Upon entering this space, our eyes are immediately drawn to a majestic arch that serves not only an aesthetic function but also pays homage to traditional Mexican architecture. Arches have been an iconic element in this architecture throughout history, and this contemporary reinterpretation is a living tribute to that rich heritage. Inside the arch, a rustic wooden shelf becomes an essential piece. This shelf adds warmth and personality to the environment, highlighting the beauty of wood in its most authentic form. The choice of light-toned tile and Volakas Palissandro marble for the kitchen elements not only adds elegance and sophistication to the space but also creates a stunning visual contrast with the dominant red. The juxtaposition of these materials demonstrates how the combination of elements can generate an exceptional visual and emotional balance. Lighting is a fundamental aspect of any design, and in this project, Flos lamps play an essential role. Their transparent design allows them to harmonize with the architecture of the space without competing, while simultaneously adding a dose of elegance and style. In summary, this project represents a bold journey in the world of design and architecture. From the choice of red as a focal point to the incorporation of traditional and contemporary elements, this creation demonstrates that creativity knows no bounds when it comes to challenging conventions and exceeding expectations. This monochromatic space is not just a kitchen; it is an expression of identity, a tribute to cultural heritage, and a beacon of originality and style in the world of interior design.
Satyarupa Yoga Retreat
All things are real when they are true to themselves. Under this affirmation, how can the shape of the truth be spatially expressed? How can we express all that is true to itself? Using their very nature by sticking to their function and environment on one side, and by being true to their spirit and who inhabits them on the other. The inhabitant is a being that seeks freedom from all the entanglements of the mind, and constantly tries to eliminate everything that prevents him from seeing clearly. Where he lives, is a space that helps him in that quest by being sincere and eurythmic. In order to grasp Satyarupa’s spatial conception, the starting point is everything and nothing. Just like in the center of the Universe, any point can be the starting point. Nonetheless, everything works and is ordered. One element subsists due to another, as is the case with the complicity between the Moon and the Earth, the Moon and the oceans, and the oceans and life itself. At times, the main factor to consider is the being, the humanity. However, it could also be the flora and the fauna, and at the same time, everything that cannot be materialized, like the air and time. Everything orders itself through an imaginary reticulum that works like a constellation, where all things live in harmony in two or three dimensions, due to the grid. The rooms are slightly elevated where the terrain had been previously impacted, where all the vegetation was removed and the only thing that remains is dirt. The purpose of this site is to not take any more life from the ground, because then, only the human qualities would prevail and would not subsist in harmony with everything else. The rooms do not answer simply to the site, but also to the orientation. The shape is made up of two squares; the first one is a space to sleep which contains a bed pointing towards the south and a window looking outside into the garden. The second one contains the lobby and a bench to leave shoes. The bathroom is separated from the living area through a patio with vegetation that works as an illumination and natural ventilation cube. Due to this vacuum, air conditioning can be dispensed with as much as possible and cross ventilation can be achieved. The walls within the rooms are made of compacted earth for two reasons, the first one being that this material can be found in the region, and the second one being its thermal qualities. As a sustainable strategy, all the slabs are vegetative with plans that are native to the region, on one side, to return to the ground what had been taken when the constructions were unrooted, and to attract biodiversity, including different species of birds and pollinators. Conceptually, it also has a function: the integration of all the four elements (land, water, air and fire). The way water and land are translated has to do with the green covers, it is not a literal translation. Without water, there can be no life, and the kindest way to translate this in architecture is by adding life to the roof as a reflection of the liquid that every living thing needs to survive. The entrance pavilion is made up of two volumes. The first one is the main body, located in the North and South. It is light and simple, and where all the daily activities take place in this type of building. It is completely open to allow both energy and wind circulation. Due to the nature of its location, it only contains a couple of ventilators to create a comfortable environment. The mosquito nets serve both as a door and as insect control. The second volume is tougher and heavier. Its slab is lower than that of the first volume, allowing windows to be placed at the change in level in zenith form for ventilation and illumination. A temple was placed at the center of the site, representing femininity. It culminates in a square, which in turn represents masculinity. The columns unfold to the inside as a protective shell, and to the outside as a portal to the garden to gradually form a mandala. The temple is recognized as a sacred place to stage the cosmos. The volunteer ward found at the west of the temple. consists of bamboo and is covered by vegetative slab that, aside from the reasons which have been previously stated, serves to create a cooler space because it captures the Sun’s rays and improves the quality of the air. Finally, the spa, located at the North of the temple. Its physiognomy is like that of the volunteer ward. The difference lies in the light panels that shape the facade. These ones are lighter, and they lack the glass that allows the doors to be fully opened to the wind and light. Water is a fundamental resource and plays a crucial role in our lives. Thus, it must be cared for and treated with respect. With that being stated, the temple will have its own rainwater harvesting system to treat it and reuse it. In terms of saving energy, the plan is to install a roof in the building’s slab that contains solar panels to produce enough energy to be used within the building. Last, but certainly not least, the Satyarupa building enacts the use of positive speech, not only in terms of education and teaching, but also through the implementation of strategies that physical, conceptual and sensible to the natural world. The design emphasizes the relationship between the tangible and the imperceptible, always paying attention to all living things that transit through it.
Aurea Residences
Reaching for the highest standards in world class residential projects, Aurea Residences was conceived with the purpose of replicating the awe-inspiring feelings invoked by the perfection of the golden ratio, found in art and nature. From its highly functional Italian kitchens, to the elegant, insulated facade systems, Aurea focuses on every detail.
BeLoft Angel Urraza
The architectural concept and the scheme are based on respecting the old two-story house and differentiating it from the new one with four extra levels. For this, a completely new steel structure was created, detached from the original structure, crossing the existing slabs, to make clear the difference between new and old. However, not being able to remember the new facade as it would lose saleable area; or be able to extend it because it is not authorized to build living area above the street, it was decided to continue the original external wall, but with an extension on the slab that would function as a balcony to which it was covered with a lattice that works as a double facade made of Corten steel to reinforce the industrial idea of the concept and refer to a city as cosmopolitan as Mexico City. The lattice also sought to break with the context, by means of an architecture that “bothers”, that makes us reflect, think, or simply turn to see it; but, at the same time, that gives relevance to the corner, and that generates a base that goes according to the scale and the pedestrian experience. The morphology of this lattice was given by the shape of the terrain and sought to hierarchize the corner by means of its finials in the last level. It was designed with vertical elements to give a visual continuity from the perspective of the pedestrian. Elements that at the same time give privacy, protect from the sunlight, and reduce the noise of the Avenue without affecting the lighting or the wooded views from the lofts. These steel elements have different widths and contain different openings that function as windows so that the double facade has an urban presence with more character. Finally, in the interior design we tried to generate open spaces, with apparent materials and systems, with the highest height allowed by the regulations, and with this, small spaces were achieved, personal, but well-proportioned and illuminated, that met the client premises and those of the architectural concept. In summary, we can say that very different spaces were achieved to the established in the real estate market, but very pleasant for the final user.
CASA JARDIN ESCANDON
“CASA JARDIN ESCANDÓN” located at 19 Agricultura Street in the Escandón neighborhood of Mexico City, the housing development is a mixed-use complex with Street level commerce and 14 residential units on the upper levels. The Escandón neighborhood with a recent boom in past years, with that fresh and youthful vibe, where art deco buildings coexist with protected facades by the INBA and new contemporary buildings. Being within a lot between party walls with a front of 17 meters facing the Street, the Project is developed to live towards the interior of the complex through a central courtyard and a rear patio separated from the back boundary. Allowing all residential units to have natural light and cross ventilation. Made up of 14 units of which 4 units are on the ground floor and are apartment type, and 10 townhouses type units located on the upper level made up of 3 levels each. The central courtyard of the project houses a variety of native plants and species tolerant to sunlight, whose familiarity with the local climate negates the need for much maintenance in the future. This space designed for contemplation and reflection, where form the access to the residential complex begins a gradual transition towards an interior patio that acts as the central disconnection space away from sound and outside movement. A space that invites you to reflect and contemplate the central garden and its different species of plants and flowers. This interior garden is the most important element of the design proposal, where we look for a magical presence where architecture creates the space for permanence and contemplation. The access was designed as a cave with a gabled ceiling, which felt as if it had been carved out of the stone volume, and functioned as this traditional space between the street and the interior of the complex. Where the visitors are received with a view frame by the light, the landscape and the stone, a moment where the person moves away from the reality of the city. The result is a physical manifestation of the idea that architecture can connect with the built environment and the natural environment, adding its benefits to offer a more complete and harmonious life experience.
CDG Apartment
Club de Golf is a distinguished project nestled in Mexico City, exuding an aura of elegance and sophistication that resonates throughout its interiors and furnishings. The apartment serves as an artful canvas, embellished with carefully chosen pieces of artwork that seize attention from every vantage point, commanding a pivotal role in the project’s narrative. Moreover, these artworks dictate the symmetry and layout distribution within spaces, establishing focal points that guide the arrangement of furniture and enhance visual harmony throughout the rooms. Such as the Aythamy Armas places above the fireplace in the living room. The hallmark of this endeavor lies in its skillful utilization of soft-toned wood, a versatile material employed for flooring, walls, bespoke furniture, intricate carpentry, and even ceilings. This wood lends a harmonious consistency and warmth that envelops every corner of the apartment. The hallway boasts an arresting Aldo Chaparro’s art piece that serves as a captivating focal point, set against the backdrop of the apartment’s soft wooden finishes. A captivating juxtaposition emerges as wood harmoniously intertwines with color hues in selected areas of the apartment. First in the winebar, characterized with a deep blue cellar. A retro green is used notably in the bar, the cinematic enclave, and the junior bathroom and room. This intriguing interplay of finishes adds depth and character to the living spaces. A crowning jewel within this realm is the sink – a monolithic crafted from exquisite marble, gracefully ensconced within an illuminated arch made of the same material. This masterstroke captures the essence of the material’s inherent beauty, skillfully accentuating its qualities. Within the dimly lit ambiance of the bar, a sense of nostalgic allure is meticulously cultivated through shades of retro green. An artful mirror shelf adorns the space, expanding it visually while showcasing an array of artfully arranged bottles. Continuing the aesthetic symphony, the same marble that graces the bathroom sink is elegantly repurposed as the bar table’s surface, overlooking the room with four circular wooden stools. The cinema and family room harmoniously coexist within a shared expanse. Ceiling accents in a delicate greenish hue define certain areas, gently modulating the ambiance. Meanwhile, the cinema section is defined by a captivating rectangular wooden vault, elegantly bathed in the glow of strategically placed light strings. At its essence, Club de Golf serves as an emblem of meticulous curation – from the furniture and lighting selections to the artful contrasts of materials. The guiding principle is to celebrate the intrinsic allure of wood under the ever-changing embrace of natural light, highlighting its dynamic transformation with the passage of time. The curated art pieces cast a captivating contrast against the wooden and greenish elements, elevating the project into a symphony of textures and tones.
CYTA
CYTA is located in the heart of Hipódromo Condesa, one of Mexico City’s most vibrant and shifting neighborhoods. The buildings’ design solution insistently looks for a careful integration with the natural and urban environment. The façade is composed by balconies and terraces with plants–in pots that are integrated to the structure, an Irving wrought iron screen, and sober framings. The façade coexists with its surroundings and the trees that face the street. The vegetation of the city intertwines with that sprouting from the building creating a harmonious experience with the outside, both for the user and the building. One of the neighboring buildings was classified a heritage site; this led us to shape our volume to achieve a striking gesture of integration. Considering that the side face will never be obstructed, we saw the opportunity to integrate our frontal and side façade with the neighboring one in the upper levels, interweaving them as if it was a seam. The building and apartments are designed to provide an intimate haven within CYTA amidst all that dynamism and energy. The building has 25 units, all of which receive natural light and ventilation. Most of them are comprised within one story that includes balconies and there are some distributed in two stories. The units on ground level have small patios. In the top of CYTA, there is a common roof garden that has amazing views to the neighborhood and the city. Vertical circulations are concentrated in the core of the building. We took advantage of this space to bathe the halls and common areas with light and ventilation and we carefully designed a steel stairway formed from continuous frames and circular elements that fade in color as they rise, getting clearer as they meet the light that comes through the upper dome. In this way, the color gradient gives its own personality to every level of the building. The finishes and building materials are basic, pure, honest and, in good measure, local; seeking to give the project an everlasting aspect that withstands the test of time and that it identifies with its setting. CYTA embeds itself into the city offering an urban lifestyle and a coherent design environment–from the small details to the building’s total design concept, resulting in a project with added value for its users and the city.
E Central Building
E-Central Building Architecture should strive to dignify human condition, in any context or scale. We have always tried to live by this premise in our projects, as we believe this is the most sincere road towards appropriation, which in our view is the only measure of success an architectural project should be judged by. Nowhere is this more explicit than in low-income housing, where the scarcity of resources and imagination, cause housing projects to be undignified for their final users. We are firm believers that regardless of a housing project's budget, the design should provide its final users with a sense of proudness and dignity about their dwellings. In Mexico City, there is a definite difference in the design between lower, middle, and upper-class residential buildings. Developers focusing on social housing projects tend to leave aside original architectural design, frequently recurring to generic solutions that have been recycled throughout decades, and these projects sprout in all over the city as copy and paste buildings. This project responds to one of these areas. The building is located in a central borough in Mexico City which has started to redevelop as a result of a change in the city's development plan for the area. It provided an increase in density and building height, which in turn has prompted developers to create new low-income housing developments in the area. Our building is one of those new developments. It is an eight-story apartment building that houses 20 apartments about 60 square meters each of inhabitable space. For our project, we wanted to break the orthogonality present in the trace of the streets, but also present in general in the rest of the buildings that surround it, but how can we do this while keeping an uncomplicated concrete frame structure and keeping the general cost low? We had to work within those confines to give the building a distinct character that would set it apart. So we ended coming up with a facade that would undulate both horizontally and vertically in such a way that the building would seem to change shape depending on your perspective, making it a focal point in a usually nondescript neighborhood of Mexico City. We embraced the used of concrete walls as they were required for structural stability but further made them patent in having the concrete stamped with wooden forms that would bring out its natural beauty. The housing units we designed are aimed at the lowest income levels in the city, but while we kept the project's financials intact, we managed to produce a formal and sculptural building within our budget by carefully designing and defining building materials. In the end, building costs are indeed the same for a poorly designed building as well for a brilliant one. So why not design a brilliant one?
ICON San Ángel
ICON San Angel is a multi-family residential project with two towers, one on each side of the Anillo Periférico, a beltway running through much of the Valley of Mexico with an elevated second floor. The first tower, at number 2008, is 115 meters high with 184 apartments; the other, at number 1977 across the avenue, is 165 meters high and has 188 apartments. While Periferico 1977 was under construction, the design of Periferico 2008 was assigned. This project engages in compelling dialogue with Periferico, as well as with its urban context. It is located close to San Ángel, a historic and colonial district. These, in turn, coexist with the modern high office towers and apartments located on Periferico. Volumetrically, the buildings were solved using parallelepipeds; a pair of subtractions generates two large voids in each tower where triple-height green spaces were installed that, at the same time, separate a series of terraces that were strategically designed to accommodate around 200 trees per tower. Periferico 2008 is oriented east-west with views of San Angel, while Periferico 1977 is oriented north-south towards the emblematic Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatll volcanoes and Mexico City’s tallest buildings. Thanks to a reduced footprint design of 583.3 m2 (Periferico 1977) and 905.8 m2 (Periferico 2008) respectively, it was possible to preserve the maximum construction area allowed for each property at 21,000 m2, which made it possible to address the regulatory requirement of a 15-story orthogonal building with a mere 20% of open space per property to evolve into two towers, one with 30 stories and the other with 44 stories, with 50% and 56% of open space respectively. This separates them from the street and their surroundings to keep the complex private and peaceful. The visual and acoustic problems caused by the avenue were mitigated in both projects by allocating the common areas to lower levels, with the triple-height gardens at the level of the Perfierico´s Second Floor, thus shifting the apartments to the upper levels. Amenities in both towers include a gym, library, swimming pool, spa, business center, kids club, movie theater, and a rooftop terrace, all for the use of residents. The common areas are characterized by its large spaces and heights, where natural materials such as wood and white marble combine with works of art that enrich the spaces, provide a visual accent, and stimulate emotions, as do the lobby sculptures for both projects. The façade is composed of white precast concrete panels, with marble aggregates and insulating glass. The span-to-mass ratio in the main volume was designed to contrast with the common typologies of glass-fronted buildings in the area, while providing natural light and ventilation in all apartments. The project improves the lives of its inhabitants by connecting them with more open areas and greenery than other vertical residential complexes that are common in the city. Added to its relationship by framing one of the most important avenues in the city, make ICON San Ángel a new architectural and urban icon in the city.
Iglesia de la Medalla de la Virgen Milagrosa
Church building in Mexico City, Mexico.
Alcazar de Toledo
This luxury residential project enjoys a privileged location in Mexico City and peerless natural surroundings. Nowadays, housing design in this area follows the common solution of a simple volume above a concrete grid structure that is a complete waste of the site that has a very rugged topography. Taking this into account, it was decided to change this design paradigm by integrate as far as possible the architecture to these natural formations, with the aim of respecting the environment and exploiting the extraordinary panoramic views of the city that can be seen between the vegetation. The architectural concept is based on a linear element which folds itself over the topography in a right-angled zigzag shape. Each fold contains the spaces for the five departments, with large terraces, amenities and parking distributed over four levels. The result creates an elegant and subtle shape with a clear horizontal emphasis among the native vegetation of the surroundings. The natural slope of the terrain made it necessary to develop the entrance and sequence of the building in a descending fashion. The vehicular access is located at the highest point, with a ramp that descends comfortably 5 meters to a reception area, visually rounded off by a large wooded area. This area is delimited by a large pool of water with fountains, and incorporates 10 parking spaces for visitors and the access ramp to the residents’ parking. The lobby is sited at the center of this plaza in a transparent glass box with access to the vertical circulation nucleus for distribution to the various departments on the four levels below. Level -1 houses residents’ parking, with 29 parking spaces. On level -2 are departments 1 and 2, each measuring 500 m2. Level -3 contains the amenities, with pool, spa, gym, terrace, dressing rooms and bathrooms. Department 3 is on the same level, with a built area of 700 m2. On level -4, departments 4 and 5, also 500 m2 each, are located. The distribution and requirements of each department are different. The interior program of departments 1, 2 and 5 features: access hallway, living room, dining room, kitchen, guest bathroom, family room, three bedrooms with dressing room and bathroom, laundry room, maid’s quarters with bathroom, and spacious garden terraces with water features and wooden deck. Given its size, department 3 has additional spaces including a fourth bedroom with bathroom, a library, and wine cellar. Department 4 has only two bedrooms, but also features a wine cellar, playroom, and study. The project design provides for high ceilings, open-plan common areas and large picture windows that offer spectacular panoramic views and provide natural ventilation and illumination for most spaces. The gardened spaces provide shade while capturing rainwater for storage, treatment and reuse in irrigation. The storage cistern is located below level -4, taking advantage of a redundant space between the terrain and the structure of the building.
Nobu Mexico City
The renovation project of Nobu's terrace marked a significant change and transition, aiming to transform the space into something new and different. Through a careful selection of furniture, art, lighting, and finishes, a fresh and modern image was achieved. The impressive bar and dazzling lighting fixtures stand out in the design, fulfilling the goal of offering a renewed and unique experience. The biggest challenge we faced was the "renovation" itself and everything it entailed to create the new space we envisioned, especially as the restaurant remained operational during the process. From relocating installations to adapting an asymmetrical venue with many years of service, we adjusted and rethought its function and operation. We achieved a seamless transition of sensations from day to night, reflecting our vision for the space. "Awe," the sensation we often strive to evoke through design, was our guiding principle in this restaurant renovation. We aimed to instill a sense of awe through change, a transformation befitting this establishment with years of service. This renovation stands as one of our most satisfying projects, as we revitalized the space to captivate and inspire both old patrons and new.
139 SCHULTZ
"139 SCHULTZ" offers the opportunity to live in an ideal place, located in the street of Miguel E. Schultz 139 San Rafael neighborhood. In one of the first neighborhoods in the center of Mexico City. It is one of the most bohemian neighborhoods of the city, which still preserves its 19th century architecture and the atmosphere of a neighborhood of yesteryear that houses a proven variety of social classes, as the lower middle class neighborhoods coexist with cultural buildings, corporate, entertainment and historical. Located one block from Sullivan Avenue where Mario Pani made the Plaza Hotel; Luis Barragán built the whole of an apartment building and two houses, each with a commercial space, Mathias Goeritz built the Eco Museum; Felix Candela built Autos Francia, which is currently a supermarket and still keeps its concrete umbrellas, and the sculptor Oliviero Martinez took over the sculptural set Monument to the Mother. The 6-level building is made up of 21 departments of different typologies ranging from 60 m2 to 120 m2 approximately, with an interior distribution that favors ventilation and natural lighting in all living areas, with views towards their inner courtyards as well as the Street. A central courtyard that separates from the southern boundary, serves to give a greater surface of interior façade, allowing a greater natural lighting and cross ventilation inside the houses. It also has three interior patios of different sizes which separate the common area from the private area. The volume of the building moved in an "L" shape to its patio, where corridors, balconies and terraces are created, community spaces that are considered as places of relationship of the condominium and intermediate areas between the exterior and the interior space. The facade facing the street of Schultz composed of a double skin of red concrete and apparent red wall, is more sculptural, monolithic, like posters, to avoid the passage of direct light and grant privacy. Besides that it works as acoustic insulation against street noise. The interior facades are composed of red enameled partition and floor to ceiling windows of black aluminum wardrobe. The project has basically 2 types of departments, the front departments with 2 bedrooms and the interior apartments with 1 bedroom. The materials used are materials in apparent finishes, such as red concrete, red partition, quarry and wood; thought with natural and durable materials. The solution of the distribution in the house is divided into two parts, a "living area" in the east and a "sleeping area" in the west, with wet rooms, bathrooms and kitchens, on one side. The balconies become a spatial extension of the living-dining room, a perception that is accentuated thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows. The interior route leads us through wide spaces to corners whose windows overlook small planters and the depths of intimate spaces. The exterior shape of the building, generated from this varied arrangement of spaces, is incomprehensible from the inside. However, the form is free and ductile, as if an interior force pressed the walls outward; the expansive character of the interior of the dwellings is a place for evasion and dreams.
Pachuca 78
Located in one of the most eblematic and vibrant areas of Mexico City, Colonia Condesa, the building dates to the 1940´s where it was designed and built as a residential building. It originally only had only 3 floors with two interior patios, a ventilation and natural lighting shaft and two single car garages with independent acces. The windows, very much in the style of the time in many of the buildings in that area were reduced. The materials used originally in its excecution were terazzo, typical of the time, that was present in the facade and staircase. Prefabricated rose colored concrete was used for the balaustrades that adorned the facade. Paste mosaic was used in bathrooms, kitchens and circulations spaces, juxtaposed with the warm wooden floor in the rest of the spaces. The project consisted in an integral remodelation of the property but respecting its original escence. The original small windows were transformed into large floor to ceiling windows and sliding doors adding even more natural light. The living and dining room were integrated into one space that was more ample and comfortable than the original layout allowed for. The location of bathrooms and kitchens was not touched but they were completely renovated. A fourth floor was added but with it´s front facade recessed from the main facade giving way to a large and ample terrace and therefore not compromising the visual integrity of the original. The fourth floor was made possible with slight structural modifications to the existing building thanks to the substitution of the water storage tanks for a cistern on the ground floor and to the substitution of Polyestirene blocks instead of earth filling in all of the building´s slabs to lighten the structure. A metallic structure was used as well as cement, cast and glass fiber to improve the acoustic and thermal conditions. In this project, unlike the rest of the city, the tenants share the laundry room promoting rational gas, water and electric use. This also allowed the kitchen space to be better utilized. Fotovoltaic Panels were also installed on the roof to generate electical energy used in common areas. One of the light shafts faces the private spaces so amate paper was placed in between the glass panes to diffuse the natural light and create a warm atmosphere while also favoring intimacy. The other light shaft is a warm and inviting neighborhood living space where you can have a coffee or enjoy a good book on Sunday afternoons. Both are a green oasis where the harshness of building materials disappears thanks to plants and the rhythimic geometric designs of the classic floor mosaics. In both the plants rise to the top offering an inviting break from the visual clutter of the city. At the same time and throughout the day through these shafts the natural light enters and floods the spaces. Through the now ample window panes natural ventilation passes allowing for the tenants to enjoy the temperate climate of the city. The outcome of the remodelation is a series of comfortable and cozy spaces, where the urban bustle is forgotten, where everyday activities become affable and the ups and downs of the modern day routine does not come in conflict with human coexistence in the home.
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Open in Atlas MapFrequently Asked Questions
How long does the Mexico City architecture walking tour take?+
The self-guided walking tour covers approximately 10.1 km with 3 stops. Allow approximately 3 hours including 20 minutes of viewing time per building.
Is the Mexico City architecture tour free?+
Yes, this is a completely free self-guided walking tour. You can view the route on the interactive map, export it to Google Maps for navigation, and explore at your own pace.
Do I need to book the Mexico City architecture tour in advance?+
No booking is required — this is a self-guided tour that you can start at any time. All buildings can be viewed from the outside. For guided tours with expert commentary, we recommend checking GetYourGuide for local architecture tours.
What is the best time to do the Mexico City architecture walking tour?+
Morning light (before 11am) is ideal for photography of building facades. Weekdays tend to be less crowded around commercial buildings. Allow a full morning or afternoon for the complete tour.