The design of the Centro Cultural Roberto Cantoral is a visual representation of music. Five concrete roofs, each representing a line on a staff, move up and down in harmony, shaping the space and controlling the light within. The lines of the façade, reminiscent of branches swaying in the wind, allow sunlight to filter through, creating a mesmerizing interplay of light and shadow.
The building's unique properties extend beyond its striking exterior. Inside, the concert hall is a sensory experience designed to encapsulate the essence of music. The white concrete of the façade symbolizes the purity and originality of Mexican music, while the red interior of the concert hall embodies the passion of Mexican composers.
Broissin Architects' commitment to sustainability is evident in the design of the Centro Cultural Roberto Cantoral. The natural light within the concert hall saves an estimated 14,600kwh annually, equivalent to preventing the emission of 10 tons of CO2. The design of the roof-façade reduces the use of air conditioning, saving an additional 75,600kwh each year. The use of waterless urinals contributes to water conservation, saving approximately 88,000 liters per year.
The concert hall's variable acoustic system is another noteworthy feature. It can adjust the reverberation time from 1 to 1.5 seconds, accommodating a wide range of concerts. With a seating capacity of 850 and a distance of 21 meters from the stage to the farthest seat, the hall ensures an immersive musical experience for every attendee.
The Centro Cultural Roberto Cantoral is not just a concert hall; it is a celebration of music and design. Its creation was a collaborative effort, with Gerardo Broissin leading the project and a team of architects and designers bringing the vision to life. The project began in 2008, and the concert hall opened its doors to the public on June 7th, 2012.
The design's excellence has been recognized with the prestigious Golden A' Architecture, Building and Structure Design Award in 2015. This award is granted to outstanding, trendsetting creations that advance art, science, design, and technology, embodying extraordinary excellence and significantly impacting the world with their desirable characteristics.
Project Designers: Gerardo Broissin / Broissin Architects
Image Credits: Gerardo Broissin / Broissin Architects
Project Team Members: Partner in charge: Gerardo Broissin
Project Manager: David Suarez
Project Architects: Mauricio Cristobal
Rodrigo Jimenez
Alejandro Rocha
Team: Enrique Guillen
Adrian Tellez
Gabriela Maldonado
Ruben Zepeda
Luis Muñoz
Erik Guzman
Jose Luis Duran
Sara Villanueva
Elizabeth Salinas
Juan Manuel Vargas
Pamela Moreno
Project Name: Centro Cultural Roberto Cantoral
Project Client: Gerardo Broissin / Broissin Architects