The architectural studio TEC Taller EC proposes a timeless volume that not only meets the pragmatic conditions but also the urban context with the intention of becoming a new infrastructure in a urban center that has grown precipitously in the last 10 years. The elemental nature of the building is reflected in the complexity of its systems, each of these has a specific function that will allow the building to operate effectively over time.
Description of the project by TEC Taller EC
The concept of the project originates from the analysis of two fundamental premises, on one hand the use (defined as the program) and the immediate environment (location and comfort). If a traditional office building, where the typical floor consists of an opaque core and the use of glass on the exterior walls; this project breaks this paradigm by completely reversing this composition to generate transparency inside the building and a sensible permeability in the exterior, creating zones of transition and encounter between two important points along the way: the exit of the vertical circulation in the different levels and the entrance to each office.
While an individual form of work is done in every office or space, the building suggests areas for collective meeting for the construction and transmission of knowledge among the people who live in it, not only on the ground floor (boulevard with restaurants and shops) but also in open spaces in the different levels which have the condition of covered plazas.
Due to the morphology of the terrain, the high speedway in front of the building, and the different sizes of spaces required in the program - a large central open space is created with the adequate flexibility to satisfy all the complementary requirements of the program, perforating the mass of the building at all levels achieving an inner boulevard from the north corner to the east corner of the surface, dividing the large block into two buildings connected by permeable bridges.
The materiality of the building complements its concept; all the facades facing the streets are covered with a perforated metal net as an element of visual and sensorial transition of the direct relationship between the vehicular traffic and internal activities of the building. This shell allows the entry of natural light in a sensible way, the combination of the glass facade functions as a double shell that filters the natural light and natural heat. The weather of Cumbayá permits the creation of open covered plazas in the various levels and the generation of an internal microclimate through elements such as vegetation hanging on each floor that combined with balconies / terraces generate a passive cooling system and comfort in all the spaces.
CREDITS. DATA SHEET.-
Architects.- TEC Taller EC.
Partners in Charge.- Pablo Castro Guijarro and Roberto Morales Guijarro.
Design Team.-Hector Barreto, Vladimir Tapia, Luis Antonio Espinoza, Tania Alvarez, Maricela Galan, Eduardo Perez, Juan Ruiz, Daniel Molina, Jose Lopez.
Location.- Cumbaya, Ecuador.
Area.- 8,500 m2.
Construction.- Constructora Quiroz.
Project Year.- 2015.
