A grand atrium, reaching some 30 stories, highlights the contemporary, bright-white design scheme unveiled this week by Richard Meier & Partners for a new mixed-use development in Mexico City.
Designed by Meier and RMP's Partner-in-Charge Bernhard Karpf, the Reforma Towers plan calls for two towers—a 27-story luxury hotel and a 40-story mixed-use building that will house offices, retail, restaurants, a fitness center, and parking—adjoined at the base by a podium structure.
The larger tower will feature the massive atrium space, or "urban courtyard," as Karpf describes it.
"It is a celebration of space, form, and light. Natural light will filter through the void between the office modules, providing for particularly animated light conditions," said Karpf. "We have designed the surface and the volumes of the towers to take advantage of natural light, changes of scale, and views to the city."
The void created by the grand atrium is expressed on the exterior through volumetric cut-outs, which further enhance daylight and views, and allow natural ventilation.
Richard Meier & Partners is partnering with local firm Diametro Arquitectos on the project.
For more on Reforma Towers, visit: http://www.richardmeier.com/www/#/practice/press/releases/archive/0/806/0/
Related Stories
Architects | Jun 15, 2016
Design Thinking makes its way into Yale School of Management
The school will introduce Design Observer co-founders Jessica Helfand and Michael Bierut as faculty.
Retail Centers | Jun 14, 2016
Zaha Hadid and Gensler among finalists for Sunset Strip billboard design competition
The concepts are curvy, sleek, and multidimensional, and feature sharp digital displays.
Movers+Shapers | Jun 14, 2016
VERTICAL INTEGRATOR: How Brooklyn’s Alloy LLC evolved from an architecture firm into a full-fledged development company
Led by an ambitious President and a CEO with deep pockets, Alloy LLC's six entities control the entire development process: real estate development, design, construction, brokerage, property management, and community development.
Office Buildings | Jun 14, 2016
Let's not forget introverts when it comes to workplace design
Recent design trends favor extroverts who enjoy collaboration. HDR's Lynn Mignola says that designers need to accommodate introverts, people who recharge with solitude, as well.
Building Team | Jun 13, 2016
BD+C launches Women in Design+Construction Conference
Inaugural 2.5-day event will convene 125+ leading AEC women in Dana Point, Calif., November 9-11, for professional development, networking, and career training.
University Buildings | Jun 9, 2016
Designing for interdisciplinary communication in university buildings
Bringing people together remains the main objective when designing academic projects. SRG Design Principal Kent Duffy encourages interaction and discovery with a variety of approaches.
BIM and Information Technology | Jun 7, 2016
Conquer computational design: 5 tips for starting your journey
Data-driven design expert Nathan Miller offers helpful advice for getting your firm ready to use CD tools and concepts.
BIM and Information Technology | Jun 7, 2016
6 ways smart AEC firms are using computational design methods
Rapid prototyping, custom plug-ins, and data dashboards are among the common applications for computational design.
Building Team | Jun 2, 2016
Managing risk when building in challenging locations
AEC firms recognize the upsides of exploring new, emerging markets. Whitehorn Financial's Steve Whitehorn offers four principles that can help guide you to success.
Airports | Jun 1, 2016
LaGuardia Airport’s massive redevelopment begins construction
The development consortium has secured financing for the $4 billion project, and signed an operating lease through 2050.