Best in Black: A New Era of Residential Architecture

Fernando Valdez's Award-Winning Design Inspired by Tetris

The 'Best in Black' project began in November 2018 and was completed in April 2019. Each floor of the complex is uniquely designed, allowing for a playful interaction with the structure and distribution of interior spaces. The result is a series of comfortable atmospheres that cater to the needs and preferences of the user.

Valdez's design philosophy for this project was centered around contrasts. The selection of materials such as wood, concrete, and marble, coupled with a color palette of white and black, reflects the idea of the facade in the interior design. The use of these materials gives the space a warm look, while the structural elements divide the space according to its use, creating different heights and circulations.

The facade of the building is a clear nod to the game of Tetris, with its random placement of shapes forming the walls and windows of the building. This design choice was not merely aesthetic; it also served a functional purpose. The team researched the typical vertical structures in the city and found that glass was the most common material because of the priority given to views of the volcano and the mountains. The design team struck a balance between transparency and opacity, resulting in a facade that offers comfort and light in the living areas.

One of the challenges of the project was to blend the private and public spaces. The complex houses nine different types of apartments, each mixed with the structure and the public spaces. This design approach makes each user feel unique. The project was an exercise in achieving a balance of comfort and light, all while playing a game of architectural Tetris.

'Best in Black' is more than just a residential building; it is a testament to the potential of innovative design and architectural prowess. It represents a new kind of residential building, one that is not afraid to play with form and function, and one that is not afraid to take inspiration from the most unlikely of places.