Icono Urbano

The Urban Jewel is our winning design proposal for the “Icono Urbano” international design competition in Guadalajara, Mexico that was organized by COARQ.

Located next to one of the busiest intersections and traffic arteries in Guadalajara in the middle of a rather undefined urban area, the building’s aim is to create an Urban Icon that serves as a new focal point to rejuvenate the entire area. The program called for a rather large amount of retail, offices and housing areas on a small site that necessitated a high-rise.

In order to open the building on the pedestrian level and to connect it with the urban park that passes next to the site we opened up the ground floor and created a vaulted space that is reminiscent of the interior of a geode or cathedral that were our main design inspirations. The upper levels separate into three towers in which the housing is situated. By creating three towers we allow for a maximum of sun and light to reach each apartment while maximizing the spectacular views over the city. The facade is a double facade with an outside metal mesh that blocks the harsh sunlight while allowing for natural ventilation and views of the surrounding city.