Emerald Forest / ROW Studio
Architects: Studio ROW - Alvaro Felix Hernandez, Nadia Felix Hernandez, Alfonso Maldonado Ochoa.
Use: Shopping Center, Façade Redesign
Client: Grupo GDI.
Project Executive: INMOSUR SA de CV - architect Alvaro Hernandez Cabada.
Location: Mexico City
Contributors: Carlos Marin, Ariel Rojo.
Project Date: October 2008
ROW was invited to develop a proposal for the redesign of the facade of a shopping center under construction on Avenida Jiménez Cantú Emerald Zone, northwest of Mexico City. Customers requiring a proposal that was striking and at the same time be integrated to the surrounding forests characteristic of the area. Because of the high costs involved in the redesign of a façade of a building project, there were significant budgetary constraints to be taken at account as part of the design requirements.
Our proposal consisted of a metal facade superimposed on the building's concrete structure that created large volumes which were going from high to low complexity along the facade.
Metal plates were the size and shape adapted to the different uses of the mall. At levels of parking these were perforated to allow passage of natural light and ventilation. In stores these would be solid and finished with a glossy finish on the external face. Finally in the areas of restaurants and circulations these panels would be replaced by glass to allow users to enjoy the views of forests, hills and mountains around.
Because the mall would be built on a platform 30 meters high, the design includes the installation of a great green wall that would cover the retaining wall of the base along the entire ramp, allowing the structure is blending into the background.
