Colombian and Spanish consortium take lead in competition to design International Conventions Center of Bogota
The Government of Colombia, the Chamber of Commerce of Bogota and Corferias have publicly announced the consortium formed by renowned architects Daniel Bermudez (Colombia) and Juan Herreros (Spain) as the winner of the international architectural design competition for a $138m International Conventions Center of Bogota.
The selection took into account aspects of planning, including the relationship and integration with the environment, architectural design aspects, like image of solidity, permanence, timeliness and visibility given by the volume and sobriety, the operational and functional aspects and its merits as a building designed with environmental awareness.
This monumental work of 30,000 sq m will hold the most important world-class conventions, concerts and cultural, social, civic, community, educational and commercial events. According to the Government, the Chamber of Commerce and Corferias it is estimated that the project will impact Bogota’s GDP in 8.4% and will generate 4,000 new jobs in 10 years. Construction is due to complete in 2014.
The CICB - International Conventions Center of Bogota - will comprise: a construction area of 30,000 sq m plus basement; an auditorium with capacity for 4,000 people; multifunctional rooms for 15 to 1,000 people; parking space for up to 2,200 cars; and a multipurpose exhibition center of 4,000 sq m.
According to Alexandra Torres, Executive Director of the Bogota Convention Bureau: “Although Bogota has all to be one of the most competitive regions in terms of business tourism, the lack of a suitable space for large meetings has prevented us from moving forward. With the building of this new city icon we can continue climbing ranks as a favorite destination in the world market for trade fairs, congresses and conventions of international stature.”
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