BBVA Bancomer’s Mexico Headquarters will be the first collaboration between Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners (RSHP) and Legorreta + Legorreta architects. The new building will form a gateway to the historical boulevard of Paseo de la Reforma, the city’s main avenue. It will also serve as a physical expression of the partnership between Bancomer, Mexico’s premier bank and BBVA, one of the foremost financial institutions in the world. When completed in 2014, the 50-storey tower will provide approximately 78,600 square metres of prime office space for BBVA Bancomer and will accommodate approximately 4,500 employees.
The design has evolved from an analysis of the different orientations of each façade and draws on Mexican architectural traditions. The geometry of the exterior shading is used to create a lattice design which will protect each façade from sunlight and heat whilst optimising natural daylight. It gives the building a texture that evokes traditional lattice screens or ‘celosias’. The proposal is based on generating efficient, open floor plates in order to create a variety of working environments which are flexible and can be adapted to new ways of working. All areas will have ample daylight, great views and access to external triple-height gardens. These gardens, located on every ninth level, allow the working space to be assembled in ‘vertical villages’ and they will increase the richness and variety of the working environment. The common areas for employees such as the cafeteria (located on a terrace above the cark park with spectacular views across the park), and an auditorium, are designed to encourage increased interaction and create a sense of community both among employees in the same departments and between staff in different divisions of the Bank.
On the ground floor, the triple-height entrance on the corner with Paseo de la Reforma will connect the retail banking operations of the building with the commercial operations which will take place on the upper floors. From the ground floor, glazed lifts facing the park will take users, both visitors and employees, to the sky lobby level. The sky lobby will act as a ‘window’ to the city and the park. Exhibitions and public events are planned to take place in the vestibule, auditorium and cafeteria.
Recent Comments