Mario Cardenas - Architecture Portfolio

JOSÉ MARIO CÁRDENAS CALDERÓN
ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO

WHAT IS ARCHITECTURE?
To think of architecture is to think of art and science, of the objective and subjective, of the tangible and the intangible.
It is such a complex practice that it reaches its maximum expression even in its simplicity, but its value goes beyond the aesthetic value since its multiple characteristics are the source of a broader
function.
But to serve a function, one must ask what is architecture and how is it made?
Architecture from an objective point of view is the practice of spatial design that is responsible for the ordering of space through built volumetric interventions, these spaces can be solid or empty,
which respond to a social, historical, or environmental context, intending to create sustainable and functional spaces that can serve a specific function without ruling out the possibility of growing
or evolving along with its context.
But from a more intimate approach, architecture is the bridge that allows dialogue between the human being and the world, through his body new scenarios generate where interaction between
people and nature proposes fluidly.
It is a mirror that reflects the identity of a society through its urban layout and architectural character.
It is a time machine, which allows us to travel and understand the life of other cultures through their form and space, deciphering their way of living, building and dialoguing with their context.
But to be able to do architecture its not enough to know what it is, You have to understand the elements that compose it and serve as the basis for its function.
The new architecture is not created from day to day, it is the result of the orderly use of many elements that compose it - walls, columns, floors, doors, windows, solids, voids-, which evolve to
create new proposals of contemporary architecture, by using materials, technology and the social context of the time; to achieve growth, it is necessary to start from the conscious study of what
has already been built, since it is a timeless practice that - if it is well proposed -, its solutions serve as a guide to generate new answers to different problems.
Only when having a project, which origin arises from a successful architectural precedent, and has the quality to survive its time, memorability is obtained, which occurs when generating rich and
functional spaces that accumulate memories of many lives, enriching them through its spatiality.
When speaking of order, we do not refer to orthogonality, but rather the efficient flow of activities and trajectories within a building through its spatial composition, and the dialogue in synchrony of
the project’s mission that seeks to generate spaces with meaning and potential through the physical manifestation of its components.
The form is born from the function, the context, and the needs of the project, but its effect goes beyond the functional approach since it crosses the physical spectrum and manages to reach the
spiritual, evoking emotions in those who inhabit architecture. The emotions and experiences that it provokes are the results of its geometry, proportion, a rhythmic composition, materiality, and
spatial character, which when used with elegance reveal the beauty of the architecture.
Architecture is the construction manifestation of a proposed space; by default, it is an external entity and alien to nature, nevertheless it has the potential to take root in a place and begin to dialogue
in synchrony, not only adopting the character of the context but also improving it and enhancing its characteristics. Respecting the vegetation, the climate, the views, and understanding the
identity of the site, is when the architecture stops being invasive and becomes a successful addition to the context.
The function of architecture is to create rich and functional spaces that allow the community to develop efficiently in its day to day; is to generate sustainable projects that serve as additions to the
immediate context and are carriers of the identity of a culture, it is to materialize the way of life of a society and provide experiences and emotions that allow it to stay and continue to host entire
communities.
It is that we were, what we are and what we want to be.

J. MARIO CÁRDENAS CALDERÓN
ABOUT ME....
CONTACT
San Pedro Garza Garciá, N.L. Mex.
Jose Mario Cardenas Calderon
cardenastallerdearquitectura@hotmail.com
ca_tallerdearquitectura
+52 81 8020 1966
EDUCATION
WORKSHOPS
Bachelor of Architecture at Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey (2014 - 2020)
Design Workshop
Taller Vertical 1: Housing. Arq. Agustín Landa, Arq. Edna Garza.
Taller Vertical 2: Vertical Housing. Arq. Claudia Carreño.
Taller Vertical 3: Educational Buildings. Arq. Mauricio Maycotte, Arq. David Martínez.
Taller Vertical 4: Communitary Buildings. Arq. Enrique Salas, Arq. Rigoberto Almaguer.
Integradores 1: Re-adaptation and Restoration. Arq. Carlos Estrada.
Urbanism Workshop: Methodologies for Urban Design. Arq. Nélida Escobedo.
Cátedra Blanca CEMEX: Urban Centers. Arq. Roberto Romero, Arq. Agustín Landa.
Special Workshop
BIM Edificación Workshop: Arq. Lorena Zazueta, Arq. Rodrigo Maisterrena.
Catedra UCalli: Arq. Fausto Treviño, Arq. Joel Valencia.

AWARDS
First place at Catedra UCalli 2018 Competition.
Best Project at Integradores 1 Competition: Re-adaptation and Restoration of Colegios de Notarios de Nuevo León.
SOFTWARES
Revit Architecture and Revit MEP
Autocad
Lumion
Sketchup
Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Indesign
Office
Vray
LANGUAJES
Spanish - Native
English - Advanced
PROFESSIOANL
EXPERIENCE
2019 - ZURDOARCQ
SKILLS
Sketching
Conceptualization
3D Modelling
Modelling
Communication
Planning
INTERESTS
Drawing
Music
Reading
Soccer
Hiking
Box

PROJECT TIMELINE
Magnolia House
Taller Vertical I: Single Family
Housing.
Priv. Las magnolias. Plot: 29 - 30.
Carretera Nacional.
January 2016
p. 02 - 09.
Vita Theater
Semestre i: Vita Theater.
Distrito Tec.
Monterrey, N.L.
Janueary 2018
August 2016
p. 10 - 22.
Notary College
Integradores I: Colegio de Notarios.
Monterrey Centro.
Monterrey, N.L.
January 2019
p. 23 - 35.

Escobedo’s Master Plan
Cátedra Blanca CEMEX: .
Escobedo Center.
General Escobedo, N.L.
August 2020
p. 36 - 41.
Escobedo’s City Museum
Cátedra Blanca CEMEX: .
Escobedo Center.
General Escobedo, N.L.
August 2020
p. 42 - 50.
Escobedo’s City Museum
Cátedra Blanca CEMEX: .
Escobedo Center.
General Escobedo, N.L.
August 2020
p. 51 - 56.

MAGNOLIA HOUSE
TALLER VERTICAL I
Family House
Study Case: Frank Lloyd Wright - Jacobs House
Arq. Agustín Landa, Arq. Edna Garza
Jan 2016
01 02

SITE ANALYSIS
Located in Carretera Nacional, Magnolia House is a single family residence planned
to host 5 members. The project seeks to bring a sense of privacy allowing the family
to socialize within its own private environment.
Greatest Sun exposure from South (recommended
using horizontal louvers or elements to
mitigate the exposure)
Direction from which the building receives more
punishment during afternoon (recommended to
use vertical louvers to mitigate sun exposure)
W
CONCEPT
S
Summer wind torrent coming
from Huajuco canyon (SE)
Priv. Las Magnolias
N
Sunlight from this direction is considered
the best, since it doesn’t warm up the
areas given the indirect exposure.
E
Winter wind torrent (N)
Image taken from Google Earth
The theme of the house was to recreate the work of the famous architect Frank Lloyd
Wright in an even more modern day environment. Taking two of his most iconic projects
-Robbie House and Jacob’s House- as a reference the design guideline started
taking shape setting the design rules for the project. Concepts such as privacy,
nature inclusion, horizontality were key factors during the design phase of the house.
The house is divided into three volumes arranged into an “L” composition to take
full advantage of the plot where it’s located. The horizontal volumes host social and
private areas in their respective levels and the vertical anchor of the project host the
entrance and stairs.
The project seeks to create its own
atmosphere by making a central
space that serves every area in the
house, it becomes an element that
the visual image.
The first level of the house became the public
area, for the sole reason to take advantage of
the composition of the project, having public
areas surrounding an open space makes it
feasible for the whole project to erase the
physical boundaries of interior-exterior program.
Since the project lacks elements of relevance in
the proximity, a connection with other elements
was required, so that the house feels in contact
with its surroundings, such elements were the
mountains, and for it to work, another level was
added to have a clear view.
Given how the program was arranged, the second
level took a private turn, hosting areas that of intimacy
for the residents.
Public and semi-public program is stuck on the first floor while private areas such as
rooms are located in the upper level to give privacy to the family.
Terrace
To create a more permeable environment,
terraces were added to the project, allowing
the resident to enjoy the project form different
perspectives, and establish and indirect
connection with other spaces without sacrificing
privacy.
To create a visual contrast in the building, another
volume of different character was needed,
this would serve as the anchor of the project,
form which all spaces are born and relate.
The house seeks a strong connection with nature,
thats why it doesn’t matter where you look, you
will always find green, as the last gesture, a green
“necklace” surrounds the house, serving as a gentle
welcome to the house.

First Floor
Esc. 1:250
0
2 5
10
03 04

Second Floor
0
2 5
Esc. 1:250
10

Elevations
North-West Elevation
South-East Elevation
0
2 5
Esc. 1:250
10
05 06

Sections
Section A-A’
Esc. 1:250
Section B-B’
0
2 5
10

Entry
Exterior Perspective
Exterior Perspective
Exterior Perspective
07 08

Terrace
Private Garden
Studio
Family Room

VITA THEATER
TALLER VERTICAL I
Cultural Center
Arq. Lorena Zazueta, Arq. Rodrigo Maisterrena
Jan 2018
09 10

SITE ANALYSIS
CONCEPT
Winter wind torrent (N)
Distrito Tec Projects
Summer wind torrent (SE)
Pedestrian Crossing
Located in Junco de la Vega Avenue, Vita Theater rises as a new culture and art cluster
that enriches the community experience by giving home to artists and creating
a safe environment for art and culture display.
N
E
Direction from which the building
S
receives more punishment during
afternoon (recommended to use
vertical louvers to mitigate sun
W
Greatest Sun exposure from South
(recommended using horizontal louvers
or elements to mitigate the exposure)
Lineal Park
Vertical Pavilions protect the
theater form Sun exposure
Tec de Monterrey
Critical crossing point
Image taken from Google Earth
Tec de Monterrey has been a promoter of this district by being a key element in the
restoration and re-organization of the community, as part of its plan to grow and expand,
it proposes the creation of a new cultural center that will be the heart of arts of
the institute. Following the idea of integrating the community the complex offers both
indoor and outdoor spaces from art display that are open to both students and member
of the community.
Total mass
Since the project was very demanding, considering
that it would include a theater, with all the
spaces required, classrooms for the Art and Culture
program and Restaurants, it was needed to
know the amount of space required to host every
activity. By adding up the total amount of m 2 we
came up with this volume.
Since this project was aimed for Distrito Tec and was
taking place in a very important location, observing
the area and the population that circulate in that area
was very important.
By analyzing how people move through the area, displacement
patterns were drawn.
After identifying the most used routes
and where they meet, a convergence
point came out as a result, from which
our project would start take form, not
just to respect the previous customs, but
to enhance the experience in the space.
The project is divided into 4 volumes that each play an important role in hosting a wide
variety of activities inviting all types of art to be part of the culture scene and creating
an enriching environment.
In addition to the architectonic design of the project, MEP installation was also included
and worked during every phase to make sure the building didn’t only had the necessary
space to function but also was well equipped for the task, by working close with expert
companies -TTQ and BAUEN- every aspect from the structure to MEP was carefully
designed.
Team Members:
José Mario Cárdenas Calderón
Barbara Villarreal
Marcela Torres
Mayte iris
2
3
4
1
As a result of the analysis, three tower were added to host other
programs, and all of them directed to the center to emphasize the
importance of the core of the project. Volume 1 represents the theater,
with all dressing room, storages and rehearsal rooms. Volume
2 represents Art and Culture tower, hosting all type of classes (painting,
dancing, chorus, and the administration). Volume 3 represents
the gallery and a experimental theater for 400 people. Volume 4 represents
the restaurant tower and the cooking workshop.
Amphitheater
2
3
4
1
Grandstand
After arranging the buildings accordingly to the purpose of respecting the former use
of the space, they had to be unify by an element. By adding 3 rings the tower become
a vertical pavilion and the classrooms turned into galleries showcasing the activities
they host as pure expression of a diversified art. To keep the rings from becoming
monotonous in their function, the middle ring became a grandstand, and core of the
project evolved to an amphitheater, inviting every member of the community to not
just walk by as they used to, but to stay and become an actor of their own experience.

Parking Lot
Esc. 1:700
0
5
10 15 20
11 12

First Floor
15
0
5
Esc. 1:700
10 15 20

Second Floor
Esc. 1:700
0
5
10 15 20
13 14

Third Floor
0
5
Esc. 1:700
10 15 20

Fourth Floor
Esc. 1:700
0
5
10 15 20
15 16

Diagrams
Stage
Black Box
Art and Culture Pavillion
Lobby
Rehearsal Room
Orchesta Room
Lobby
Backstage
Gallery
Grandstand
Amphitheater
Parking Lot lvl 1
The project seeks to maintain a connection between different spaces, it takes the role of
a great gallery and sees every activity as an exhibition with the goal to enrich the experience
of the visitor. The black box, the amphitheater, and the theater create a linear passage where
art is always present and in any form; having a wide variety of scenarios allows to receive
anyone.
The rings are vital for the Cultural Center to work, from they you can move from level
to level and be present when the show is up, they also help to unify a wide variety of environments
into one great salon.
Parking Lot lvl 2
Parking Lot lvl 3

Terrace
Ballet Workshop
Restaurant Lvl 4
Cooking Workshop
Painting Workshop
Drawing Workshop
Restaurant Lvl 3
Dancing Workshop
Dancing Workshop
Restaurant Lvl 2
Singing Workshop
Lobby
Restaurant Lvl 1
Art and Culture
Restaurant Tower
The main idea behind the project was to create a vertical pavilion
where visitors could experience multiples arts in the same building, the
pavilion becomes a gallery where the main exhibition are the students
and their activities. The participants become actors in this play that
seeks to communicate the beauty of art.
For the restaurant tower, efficiency was the main idea when we
group the cooking workshop with the restaurants; having the same activities
happening under the same roof would improve how these spaces operate.
It takes the same form as a vertical pavilion, where the rings serve as the
connector and invites the visitor to experience different environments at different
levels.
17 18

Facade System
Heat convection dictates that as
air gets hot it tends to go up
Panel varies from side to side
depending on Sun exposure
Air will circulate trough the panels
and remain inside if weather conditions
demand it
Panels anchored to steel columns
Connective ends (top/bottom)
Hollow panel to create tromb
wall effect
Aluminum structure to lighten panel weight
Tromb Wall system, is an alternative measure use when trying to deal to extreme weather, as it creates a layer of either cold or hot
air that helps generate a thermal barrier between the building and the exterior; its primarily composed of two segments, one in front of the
other and a upper and lower opening that can be closed or open at will. During summer, in very hot days, the system remains open at the
top so that the hot air finds its way from the building, and in winter, the system is closed so that a layer of hot air gets traps an generates
a thermal layer, preventing the cold weather to affect the interior conditions of the house.

ELECTRIC INSTALLATION
HVAC INSTALLATION
Air Extraction
Lightning fixed inside the Wall
Odors Extraction System
2
Air Injection
Emergency Lights
Cold Water Pipe for AC
1
Hot Water Pipe for AC
3
Basement Lightning
Fresh Air Injection
Given the regulations in construction, areas such as underground parking lots and hallways
must be equipped with half the available lighting fixtures as emergency lights, so that in any given
situation, vehicles can still circulate and find the closest exit
SANITARY INSTALLATION
1, 2, 3 mark the downspout holes available for ducting and piping transportation
trough the buildings. To make more efficient the cooling and heating system in this area, each
personal dressing room was given its own air conditioner, this to maximize the comfort in each
space and to have them work independently, avoiding the need to turn all colling system in the
HYDRAULIC INSTALLATION
Water Heater
Cold Water Pipe
Drainage Pipe Collector
1
2
Drainage Strainer
Odor Valve
1, 2 mark the location where the disposal room and pump are located . Pipe thickness
changes accordingly to its function, 4” is used for solid disposals and 2” for liquid materials;
main collector thickness might increase if required. Since this section of the building is underground
all waste is sent to a disposal room where a pump is located and sends the wastes
upwards to the main drainage collector.
Hot Water Pipe
As the main water pipe passes trough diferent plumbing fixtures it shrinkes, given the less
amount of water it carries along the way. To increase comfort for actors and staff in the building,
each dressing room was given it own water heater, this allows the space to function accordingly
the number of people it can host
19 20

Amphitheater
Amphitheater Ground Level
View to Lineal Park
Third Ring View

Lobby
Theater
Panel View
Gallery
21 22

NOTARY COLLEGE
INTEGRADORES I
Restoration and Re-adaptation
Study Case: Mauricio Rocha - San Pablo Cultural Center
Arq. Carlos Estrada
Jan 2019

SITE ANALYSIS
City Theater
Meridiano Tower
CONCEPT
Wind torrents coming from Southeast carry
containments from the city (recommended
to use elements to filter the air and improve
its quality)
Located in Monterrey Center, Notary College takes on a task to bring back life to an
unused building that seeks to be restored and become a new cluster of activity that
enhances the life expectancy of the building.
Sunlight from this direction is considered the
best, since it doesn’t warm up the areas given
the indirect exposure.
N
E
S
Mariano Matamoros Street
Jose Maria Coss Street
Direction from which the building receives more
punishment during afternoon (recommended to
use vertical louvers to mitigate sun exposure)
Project original condition
W
Los Dulces Nombres Chappel
Greatest Sun exposure from South (recommended
using horizontal louvers or elements to
mitigate the exposure)
Rigid elements with no openings prevent natural
ventilation and lighting passing
Top volumes punish the spatial richness and the
way the building is experienced
Narrow sidewalks offer no protection against
both daily weather and vehicles
Image taken from Google Earth
Challenged with restoring itself without a disregard of its past, the new proposal
seeks to create a time transition in which the future dialogues in peace with the past,
by respecting its proportions and materials and giving a new interpretation of the
building in modern day times.
Jose Maria Coss Street
Mariano Matamoros Street
Given the project is divided into two independent buildings
there is no connection between them, therefore for them to
as one is impossible in their original condition.
The project is made up by three volumes that once isolated, today become a restored
complex in which they act as an unified building serving to many activities
that guarantee the spatial flexibility of every space.
3
During the design phase, concepts such as spatial diversity and transparency where
crucial to create the scenario desired.
2
1
Giving that the building is born out of traditional architecture. Every piece added to it
had to be in synchrony with the language of architectural context around it, paying
attention to proportions, heights and colors without failing in creating a modern
project.
IDENTIFY PRE-EXISTING BUILDINGS
AND MAJOR AREAS
1.Superior Level of a former
government building (it more recently
served as a nightclub but
is abandoned nowadays).
2. Lower level of a former government
building and Colegio de
Notarios.
3. Warehouse (completely disconnected
from the other two
buildings).
ELIMINATE ELEMENTS THAT AFFECT NEGA-
TIVELY THE BUILDINGS
Elimination of top volumes that hinder
buildings performance and add
weight the original structure without
providing anything of quality in return.
By freeing the central openings,
natural ventilation and lighting is permitted
to pass, making more efficient
the operation of both volumes and
improving the quality of the space.
RESTORE THE ESSENCE OF THE
BUILDINGS
Circulations inside the buildings
are proposed around the courtyard
to pay homage to their
original function. Inner Courtyard
are restored and given a different
face, to diversify the spatial offer
inside the project, to do so, elements
such as walls and stairs
had to be removed, without damaging
the essence of the area.
UNIFY THE BUILDINGS
Once the elements that hindered
the performance of the building
were eliminated and the core of
the two buildings were restored,
making a connection between
them was imperative as the main
goal remained turning two separated
things into one. An opening
in the walls is open to create a
transition and connection between
them.
23 24

Building Operation
BLOCK 2
BLOCK 1
BLOCK 3
Been able to work as an independent section of the
building was vital when you have different activities under
the same “roof”, that’s why every block has access to it
own services.
Inner Courtyard serves as an extension of the multi-functional
space, and having sliding doors on each side, allows and
enclosed area become one capacious space.
Sliding doors help isolate areas if necessary, by doing this
you permit different activities to take place at the same time.

First Floor
Esc. 1:300
0 1 3 5
10
25 26

Second Floor
Esc. 1:300
0 1 3 5
10

Third Floor
Esc. 1:300
0 1 3 5
10
27 28

Elevation - Section
Front Elevation
Section A-A’
Esc. 1:300
0 1 3 5
10

Area Distribution
Areas
First Floor
8
18
19
15
14
13
9
12
17
16
11
10
3
20
2
21
1. Entry
2. Reception
3. Hallway
4. Inner Garden
5. Classroom 2
6. Coffee shop
7. Kitchen
8. Services (trash disposal)
9. Classroom 1
10. Men’s Bathroom (Block 1)
11. Women’s Bathroom (Block 1)
12. Men’s Bathroom (Block 2)
13. Women’s Bathroom (Block 2)
14. Garden Storage Room
15. Hallway Focal View
16. Multifunctional Space
17. Auditorium
18. Cabin
19. Auditorium Storage Room
20. Inner Courtyard
21. Elevator/Stairs
7
6
4
5
1
29 30

Areas
Second Floor
14
12
13
1. Public Terrace
2. Coffee Shop
3. Services (trash disposal)
4. Kitchen
5. Bathroom
6. Office Space
7. Men’s Bathroom
8. Women’s Bathroom
9. Private Terrace
10. Elevator/Stairs
11. Library
12. Administration
13. President’s Office
14. Terrace
9
11
10
3
8
7
4 5
6
2
1

Areas
Third Floor
1. Library 2nd Level
2. Terrace (Library)
3. Public Terrace Roof
4. Inner Courtyard Cover
2
1
4
3
31 32

Interventions
The inner courtyard wasn’t just conceived as an action against the Sun,
but as a gentle alternative to generate different environments, given the option
of being able to be open or close if desired.
The triple story height (multi-functional space and library) generates a
fresh environment, allows to create an indirect connection between all levels
and plays with the scale sensation felt in that space.
The inner courtyard serves as an extension of all the interior spaces, it
allows natural lightning and ventilation to pass, and given the flexibility of its
cover it can be use during any weather condition.
By planting trees along the sidewalk we proposed a barrier that limits the sun exposure all pedestrians were being exposed to, by doing this
we don’t just improved the comfort by walking during daytime but also protect the buildings and create a more pleasant visual image of the city.
Materials
Vegetation serves as a protective barrier between the pedestrians and the vehicles.
Sidewalks were enlarged for the comfort of the pedestrian given the deplorable conditions they were found.

Cover Assembly
Cover and Columns Assembly
Cover Assembly
33 34

Garden
Inner Courtyard Cover
Main Hallway
Library - Multifunctional Space

ESCOBEDO’S MASTER PLAN
CATEDRA BLANCA CEMEX
Catedra Blanca Cemex 35: Urban Centers
Arq. Roberto Romero, Arq. Agustín Landa
August 2020
35 36

MONTERREY METROPOLITAN AREA ANALYSIS
One of the biggest challenges modern day cities face is the uncontrolled growth in which urban areas
expand, the lack of urban planning causes a mess in how the city operates and as a result you have
this typical asphalt layer that sprawls across the land. As this problem intensifies connectivity issues
are born, and the lack of infrastructure to attend those problems become visible.
Nuevo Leon in Mexico is no exception of this, when you analyze the state and how their cities work the
only thing the y share is the lack of order and complete disregard of its neighbors. The lack of efficient
connectivity as well as green areas generate one of most polluted states in Mexico.
Main avenues that connect the cities.
Image taken from Google Earth.
Subway Lines available for use.
Image taken from Google Earth.
Monterrey Metropolitan Area
Image taken from Google Earth
The lack of public transportation, long distances, and poorly distributed services create a gentrification
in specific areas that lack the infrastructure to satisfy the demands of the population. People are forced
to use their own car since the public transport poor quality causing traffic jamming and increasing the
time it takes to move from one place to another.
Map of green area missing.
Image taken from Google Earth.
According to OMS every city should have at least 9
sqm of green area per habitant, Monterrey has 3.4
sqm: with a population of 4,247,184 million people
according to INEGI, Monterrey Metropolitan Area still
needs 2,385 Ha of green area in the city.
*Analysis made by Catedra Blanca CEMEX 35 classroom in collaboration with Arq. Agustin Landa and Arq. Roberto Romero.

ESCOBEDO
To fix a state we had to look first at the cities and understand how they work and could be improved.
As part of the exercise each team was assigned a municipality to cover Monterrey Metropolitan area.
Escobedo’s a municipality with a population of almost 500 thousand habitants and shares a border to
the south with Monterrey, Santa Catarina and San Nicolas de los Garza, to east with Salinas Victoria and
Apodaca, to the west with Garcia and to the north with Hidalgo and El Carmen.
When you look at the city layout you can see a highly dense south area compared to the north side of
the city, this as a result of how the industry took possession and how bad the distribution of services
was proposed.
The city also host important natural elements that are key in maximizing the city’s operation, Pesqueria
river crosses the municipality from west to east and is home to two mountains, San Miguel and Topo
Chico.
A deep study of the municipality was made starting with the main square with the objective of bringing
order and planning to the city starting from its very heart, by restoring its plaza and planning where to
build what, we could control how the city grows and behave to improve the quality of life for its residents
and visitors.
Concepts such as green areas, connectivity and adequate distribution of services were key in designing
a new city layout.
Escobedo’s city layout.
Image taken from Google Earth.
Before starting to design the new square we had to identify its surroundings as well as its contents; the
main square host the City’s hall and a church that is considered as city’s cultural heritage.
Escobedo’s main square.
Image taken from Google Earth.
Escobedo main square.
Escobedo’s city hall. Image taken from Google.. San Nicolas de Bari Church. Image taken from Google.
37 38

Building Typology
Building typology 200 m radius Empy plots of land Public transport routes
Religiuos centers Recreational centers Industry centers
Parking lot Educational centers Commercial centers
Green area Administrative centers Housing

To improve connectivity within the city and with other municipalities, different
types of roads were proposed each targeting and specific type of traffic.
Master Plan
High speed
Medium speed
Train track
Subway track
Pesqueria river
Low speed
To reduced the need for displacement, services were evenly distributed as well
as housing areas. To control growth a green ring was proposed to contain the
city expansion. The river becomes a link between north and south side of the
city hosting new transport methods and becoming and integral element in the
city’s image.
Industry
Green area
Housing
Mixed uses
City center
39 40

Block proposal
The new block proposal is born out of the new to increase green and
open areas, as well to reduce vehicle traffic presence in the city and
make it home for a pedestrian. A module made up by for blocks is
created and become a super block, in it the inner roads once made
for cars become pedestrian making the experience of walking trough
it friendlier.
Three different configurations were made.
L: Frees a corner to the people creating a small square or park that
welcomes people to its interior.
Square: Creates an inner courtyard for private use reducing the need
to move to another area.
U: Creates an open inner courtyard by opening one end to become
an extension of a public area, usually allocated in proximity of the
river or linear park that crosses the city from north to south.
In addition to the Master Plan for connectivity for Monterrey Metropolitan
Area and Urban planning for Escobedo, two building were
developed, which showcased further in the document.
*Analysis made by Jose Mario Cardenas and Romina Arellanes.

ESCOBEDO’S CITY HALL
CATEDRA BLANCA CEMEX
Catedra Blanca Cemex 35: Urban Centers
Arq. Roberto Romero, Arq. Agustín Landa
August 2020
41 42

SITE ANALYSIS
CONCEPT
Located north of Pesqueria river in the extension of the main square, the new Escobedo’s
City Hall becomes a center of community gathering welcoming all types of
activities with the goal of being an anchor of social interaction.
With the objective to re-define a government building, the project seeks to incorporate
many practices that will increase its use and lifespan.
Being located in a main square surrounded by green areas, a river and cultural projects
the city hall opens itself up to be part of the experience of the pedestrian by giving
away its first level and leaving opening on its four sides to be crossed in any direction.
01
SITE ORIGINAL CONDITION.
SAN NICOLAS DE BARI CHURCH CITY HALL PESQUERIA RIVER
05
THE FIRST LEVEL OPENS UP TO GENERATE AN OPEN FLOOR AND ALLOW PEDESTRIAN TRANSIT
ACROSS THE BUILDING ON ANY DIRECTION.
SAN NICOLAS DE BARI CHURCH
02
PROPOSAL OF NEW URBAN LAYOUT AND INTERVENTION IN MAIN SQUARE TO IMPROVE
CONNECTIVITY WITH THE RIVER.
06
TO CREATE AN INTERNAL SPACE THAT WOULD SERVE AS HEART AND INNER COURTYARD,
A HOLE IS CUT OFF FROM THE VOLUME, THIS WILL ALSO CREATE A FEELING OF OPENNESS
TOWARDS THE SQUARE.
NEW PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE TO CONNECT THE NEW AND OLD SQUARE
EXTENTION OF MAIN SQUARE
INNER COURTYARD
The project is made up by four blocks carefully seated on top of a platform (that seeks
to subtly separate the project from its immediate context without blocking the entrances
so that once “inside” you can feel when you are in the city hall or in the public square),
and auditorium that crowns the project on its north side, a monumental portico and a
cover that lets light to permeate in multiple ways and a central vacuum that allows all
faces of the project to interact from within.
Concepts such as openness, permeability, flexibility and accessibility where key during
the design process. The project seeks to emphasize the importance of the river, main
square and linear park by acknowledging their presence and functioning according to
them.
The program consist of a multi-purpose ground floor, offices for rent, and auditorium,
areas for government procedures and administration department, and an archive.
03
04
VOLUME SITING PRIORITIZING CONNECTIVITY WITH THE LINEAR PARK AND RIVER.
CITY HALL VOLUME
LINEAR PARK
A PLATFORM IS USED TO EMPHASIZE THE HIERARCHY OF THE PROJECT.
CITY HALL VOLUME
LINEAR PARK
07
08
VOLUME IS DIVIDED BASED ON ITS USE -PRIVATE, SEMI PUBLIC AND PUBLIC- TO IMPROVE
ITS OPERATION.
PRIVATE
SEMI PUBLIC
PUBLIC
TO CREATE A VISUAL FINISH THE AUDITORIUM IS LOCATED ON THE LINEAR PARK SIDE TO SERVE
AS A CONNECTION BETWEEN THE INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR WITH ITS TRANSPARENCY.
AUDITORIUM

Floors
Level 1
Level 2
1) Main Square
2) Access
3) Open Level
4) Stairs (To level 2)
5) Elevators (To level 2)
6) Bathrooms
7) Multi-practice Area
8) Pesqueria River
1) Bridge
2) Office
3) Conference Room
4) Stairs (To level 3)
5) Elevators (To level 3)
6) Bathrooms
7) Terrace
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Level 3
Level 4
1) Permits Area
2) Office
3) Event Room
4) Stairs (To level 4)
5) Elevators (To level 4)
6) Bathrooms
7) Terrace
8) Historic Archive
9) Auditorium Lobby
10) Storage
11) Auditorium
1) Government Staff Offices
2) Mayor’s Offi ce
3) Conference Room
4) Stairs (To level 3)
5) Elevators (To level 3)
6) Bathrooms
7) Terrace
8) Equipment Room
9) Stairs (To mainteinance hall)
10) Auditorium

Sections
Section A-A’
1) Main Square
2) Access
3) Open Level
4) Bridge
5) Stairs
6) Elevators
7) Pergola
8) Skylight
9) Auditorium
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Section B-B’
1) Open Level
2) Bridge
3) Skylight
4) Permits Level
5) Offices Level
6) Government Office Staff Level

Level 1 Level 2
Area Distribution
1) Main Square
2) Access
3) Open Level
4) Stairs
5) Elevators
6) Bathrooms
7) Linear Park
8) Pedestrian Bridge
9) Pesqueria River
1) Bridge
2) Office
3) Conference Room
4) Bathrooms
5) Stairs
6) Elevators
Level 3 Level 4
1) Permits Level
2) Transit
3) Historic Archive
4) Event Hall
5) Auditorium Lobby
6) Auditorium
7) Bathrooms
8) Elevators
9) Stairs
1) Government Office Satff Offices
2) Mayor’s Office
3) Equipment Room
4) Bathrooms
5) Stairs
6) Elevators
47 48

West facade
North facade
South Facade (Night time)
Portico

Inner Courtyard
Auditorium
Inner Courtyard
Model Section
49 50

ESCOBEDO’S MUSEUM
CATEDRA BLANCA CEMEX
Catedra Blanca Cemex 35: Urban Centers
Arq. Roberto Romero, Arq. Agustín Landa
August 2020

SITE ANALYSIS
Located north of Pesqueria river and west to the extension of the main square, the new
Escobedo’s museum becomes a center of cultural and art display welcoming all types
of exhibitions to be part of the experience.
The idea behind the project was to create a space that would serve gathering center for
art, inviting all types of artist to be part of the scene.
The project consist of two volumes, and a bridge that serves as a connector between
the library and museum, and a visual definer of the inner garden of the project.
Bridge
The bridge serves as an unifying element that makes two separate pieces function
ass a whole, at the same time allows for a different way to enjoy and
experience the project by allowing the visitor to enjoy the views and making the
exterior not just a complement but a functioning area of the project.
Concepts such as openness, permeability and flexibility where key during the design
process. The project seeks to emphasize the importance of the river, main square and
linear park by acknowledging their presence and functioning according to them.
The program consist of a library that holds big areas for reading and research as well
as a vast collection of books for consulting, the ground floor remains an open area for
a more flexible use of the installation while the upper level becomes more segmented
and private.
The museum on the other hand is multi-storey building with areas with multiple height
to facilitate the inclusion of a wide variety of exhibits; thanks to the proposed structure
the building can modify its internal arrangement to fit specific needs.
Second level gallery
The curtain wall become and integrate part of the project for not only is the
facade of the inner face of the museum but also permits visual interaction between
the garden and the museum. Also takes advantages of the views generated
by the green ribbon that borders the river and the river itself.
An office for tickets purchase remains on the outside of the museum to facilitate its
operation.
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Level 2 Level 3
Floors
Level 4
Exhibition area
Common area
Gardens
Administration
Bathroom
Gift shop/ Ticket shop
Stairs / Elevator
Library
Ring
Terrace
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Portico
Courtyard access
Bridge
Gallery

Model
Perspective 1
Top view Perspective 2
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ARCHITECTURE