BBVA headquarters competition finalises
Richard Rogers' firm, Rogers Stirk Harbour and Partners has been awarded the design contract, together with Legorreta + Legoretta, for a new headquarters for BBVA Bancomer in Mexico City. Their unique design could be set to re-order conventional office design.
The new headquarters will be a 56 floor (six underground), concrete and steel tower designed to LEED Gold standards and will be an architectural landmark in the unique location which marks the point of meeting between the historical area of Paseo de la Reforma and Chapultepec Park. The project responds to the Paseo de la Reforma's change of direction at this intersection and the two axes are reflected in the composition of the architectural form.
“We are thrilled by the opportunity to work for BBVA Bancomer on such a unique project for Mexico City and to collaborate with Legorreta + Legorreta, one of the world’s leading architectural practices," said Richard Rogers, chairman of Rogers Stirk Harbour and Partners.
He continues: "The form of this building is based on a rethinking of conventional approaches to office space. The design creates a new hierarchy of vertical communities or ‘villages’ with open areas where staff and visitors can meet and enjoy spectacular views across the city...The highly sustainable design incorporates a façade which draws on the heritage of Mexican architecture; the result is a reinterpretation of the distinctive texture of traditional ‘celosia’ screens.”
Utilising a range of high technological products, the 221 metre high tower will offer the possibility for LED art displays on its façade to accompany the solar protective assets which will reduce energy consumption. Vertical gardens will be integrated at various levels of the building. When completed in 2013, the 50-storey tower will provide approximately 78,600 sq m of office space for BBVA Bancomer and will accommodate approximately 4,500 employees.
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