Paz Arquitectura created a compact mixed-use constructing in the midst of Guatemala’s capital metropolis with “strict geometry interlocked with fixed motion”.
The 115,200-square foot (10,700-square metre) constructing often called AEME was accomplished in 2021.
“AEME tries to mirror the fundamental ideas of time,” mentioned studio founder Alejandro Paz.
“Strict geometry interlocked with fixed motion softens its rigorous formal form, as time and nature do on on a regular basis life.”
Paz Arquitectura designed every degree of the constructing to look impartial from the subsequent one, creating robust darkish bands alongside the facade that displays the formality of the companies that reside throughout the constructing whereas permitting the architect the liberty and alternative to play with the geometry of every nook.
“We used totally different varieties that evoke the curvilinear shapes of clocks – and time,” he mentioned.
The ground plates – clad in daring, long-lasting black and darkish gray – are juxtaposed by contiguous glazing and light-weight wood fins that add a pure texture and serve each aesthetic and practical functions.
“Utilizing the vertical wood fins was a call based mostly on local weather management and safety from the predominant southern solar rays, nevertheless it was additionally the right method to specific the continual and redundant motion of time,” Paz mentioned.
“We altered the ‘degrade’ impact in every degree – one goes clockwise, the subsequent degree goes counterclockwise, then once more clockwise, and so forth,” he continued.
“Every fin is separated in a steady rhythm, and in a particular second it goes in reverse, making the design choice symmetrical in plan view, and in vertical standards.”
The bottom flooring and the areas of the facade between the fins are characterised by glass.
“The primary degree is approached from the road by way of a double-height space with the intention to emphasize openness and amicable city use, pretending to be a continuation of the general public house round,” the studio mentioned.
5 above-grade ranges of business, restaurant and workplace house wrap round a central atrium and prime 4 ranges of subterranean parking. The fifth degree features a social terrace for all tenants.
Inside the central atrium, a sculptural staircase serves as a focus.
White marble treads – paying homage to historical structure – have been hung between metal stringers, whereas a up to date sculpture by Guatemalan artist Dario Escobar creates a triangular patterned lattice alongside the steps.
The design was a balancing act. The studio labored to create an environment friendly and cozy constructing in a tropical local weather and to open the unique constructing safely to the general public in an space the place safety usually warrants a closed-off design, Paz famous.
Additionally in Guatemala Metropolis, Paz Arquitectura created a board-formed concrete stacked home and expanded a wood-wrapped forest cabin with a butterfly roof.
The pictures is by Cristobal Palma/Estudio Palma.
Venture credit:
Architectural design: Paz Arquitectura
Structural design: Sismoconsult – Dr. Hector Monzón Despang
Venture administration: URBOP
Electrical design: Instelectra
Know-how design: CYGNUM
Hydraulic design: Hidromaq/Plotecnia
Lighting design: LUCE – MA Lighting Design Arq. Eli Porres
Panorama design: ENVERDECE – Giulliana Gobbato
Contributing artists: Luis Gonzalez Palma, Andrea Monroy, Angel Poyón. Alejandro Paz, Gabriel Rodriguez and Dario Escoba
