Interview about Glorieta Insurgentes Tower, winner of the A' Construction and Real Estate Projects Design Award 2021
The Glorieta Insurgentes Tower was designed as one of Mexico's most sustainable and energy efficient High Rise's with an elegant and timeless design, which articulates two Avenues with the Insurgentes Roundabout taking its semicircular shape in an office building of 26 levels above ground with a 120 meters height. 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.
View detailed images, specifications, and award details on A' Design Award & Competition website.
View Design DetailsIt helps save energy in two ways: first, by thermally insulating the building’s interior, allowing for the strategic use of air conditioning on each floor and space; second, by making lighting control more efficient, using artificial light only when absolutely necessary.
A project should never impose itself on its context; it should aim to harmonize and resonate with it. It is through these gestures of openness that users have fully embraced this tower.
This decision brings dynamism to the project, creating communal spaces that draw people into the heart of the tower, rather than limiting social interaction to the ground floor and leaving the other 18 levels isolated from their surroundings.
Our relationship goes beyond a superficial professional aspect. It is thanks to this father-son bond and shared principles and values that the success of Torre Cibeles is achieved, enriching mutual dialogue for decision-making and providing a more solid approach.
The use of steel and hydraulic pistons to create a resilient, mixed structure not only optimizes the spaces and helps open 360-degree views of the city, but also reinforces the original skeleton, which was damaged by previous earthquakes, ensuring it will better withstand future impacts.
Torre Cibeles aims to be a landmark without overpowering its context. It acts as a mirror reflecting its surroundings, transforming from a monolith that once disrupted the neighborhood into an urban acupuncture needle that, through its function, enhances and adds value to its environment, while in its form, it seeks the most respectful integration possible.
It is essential that the human footprint be as minimal as possible. In the case of Torre Cibeles, it was necessary to compensate for the footprint of the pre-existing tower by creating green terraces that allow rainwater to permeate the soil. This, in addition to benefiting the area, significantly improves air quality and the visual image of the surrounding context, thereby enhancing the quality of life for its users.
These strategies have contributed to the timely and responsible management of electrical energy, while also creating spaces that are perfectly suited to the user's work and physical needs.
The achievement of LEED Platinum Certification for Glorieta Insurgentes Tower represents a significant milestone in Mexican sustainable architecture. This project introduced several innovations and approaches that can serve as a model for future high-rise developments in Mexico City.One key innovation is the integration of energy-efficient systems, such as advanced HVAC and lighting systems, that significantly reduce the building's energy consumption. The use of sustainable materials and the incorporation of green roofs contribute to improving the urban ecosystem, reducing the building's carbon footprint while promoting biodiversity.The project also implemented water conservation strategies, including rainwater harvesting and water-efficient fixtures, which help minimize resource consumption in a city facing water scarcity. Furthermore, the tower's design maximizes natural light penetration, reducing the need for artificial lighting and enhancing occupant well-being.Incorporating a comprehensive waste management plan and utilizing renewable energy sources are additional strategies that align with global sustainability goals. By blending these innovative approaches, Glorieta Insurgentes Tower sets a benchmark for sustainable high-rise construction in Mexico City, showcasing how urban developments can effectively address environmental challenges while enhancing quality of life for their occupants.
Despite the tower's scale in the area, its placement has not led to increased traffic or deterioration of the area in terms of real estate value. On the contrary, the urban image of the neighborhood has improved, with Torre Cibeles acting as a mirror that magnifies the surrounding architecture, while also becoming the new landmark of the area.
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