Glorieta Insurgentes: A Beacon of Sustainable Architecture

Yoram Cimet and Sholem Cimet's Tower Transforms Mexico City's Skyline

The inspiration for the tower came from an unexpected source - a graffiti phrase "NO LIMITS" on an abandoned building that once stood on the site. This phrase encapsulated the architects' vision for the project - an urban rescue mission that would breathe new life into a neglected part of the city. The tower stands as an "acupuncture needle", injecting energy into the area and prompting the government to develop an urban plan to reform the roundabout and the plaza.

The Glorieta Insurgentes Tower is not just a marvel of design, but also of technology. The tower's double glazed triple layer low E curtain wall maximizes natural light while reducing thermal gain. The building is also equipped with a lighting and shading system with occupancy detection, use of daylight, dimming and programming throughout the building taking into account indoor, outdoor and orientation conditions. The use of roof solar panels further enhances the tower's sustainability credentials.

The tower boasts a total area of 60,000 sqm and stands 120 meters tall. It offers 360-degree views and natural light, thanks to a service core. The building also includes an 800-people double height multi-purpose hall and two roof gardens. The structural solution is seemingly simple with mega columns comprising 27,500 m3 of concrete, 6,700 tones of structural steel and 2,300 tones of rebar complemented with the semicircular shape.

The project, which started in May 2014 and was completed in April 2018, is a testament to the architects' commitment to sustainable design. The design process involved careful architectural design and sustainability considerations, working hand in hand with local and foreign experts to achieve solutions for urban development. The result is a building that not only reduces energy consumption but also has a positive impact on the city.

The Glorieta Insurgentes Tower project faced several challenges, including the need to transform and improve an area changed by the intervention and construction of the project. Despite these challenges, the project achieved an international high standard of building, bringing together architecture and technology with local talent up to international standards. The tower was awarded Silver in A' Construction and Real Estate Projects Design Award in 2021, a testament to its innovative and sustainable design.