The Water Phantom

As Mexico City continues its creative development, architects and designers appear to be taking inspiration from more and more unlikely sources. Last year on 22nd June, local architects Rojkind Arquitectos celebrated the groundbreaking ceremony of their most recent composition, R432, which concept design was stimulated by the writings of French philosopher Gaston Bachelard (1884 – 1962).

The new skyscreper is due to take pride of place on one of Mexico City’s most prestigious streets, Reforma Avenue. Reforma Avenue has been one of Mexico City’s main avenues since the second half of the 19th century, and is one of the most important avenues and city hallmarks due to its symbolic value and urban quality. Erecting on Reforma Avenue, R432, has achieved the best construction conditions for its type of building. It is a project that fully embraces its urban condition.

The building opens up to the street, and the street, fully guaranteeing safety, comfort and privacy enters into the building. By uniting 12 lots of land we have a single lot stretching from Reforma Avenue, to Tokio Street, opening up the possibility of turning Manchester Street into a pedestrian walkway, giving the side facade a singular urban quality due to rising on bizarre design tower. Of the 54 floors of R432, the first 3 are reserved for commerce and luxurious restaurants, offering their services to the occupants living on the higher levels of the tower while connecting them with the city, rich with experiences of an urban environment. In total, 12 floors will be dedicated to offices and parking and 28 for residences. The 5 basements of the tower will be reserved for residence parking.

R432
Location: Mexico City, Mexico
Client: Grupo Elipse
Architecture: Rojkind Arquitectos
Number of floors: 54
Total area: 53,322 sq.m
Status: Under construction
Program: The mixed-use high-rise
Design Date: 2009
Estimated Completion Date: 2014
Engineering: CTC Ingenieros Civiles SC
Acoustics: Saad Acustica
Landscaping: ENTORNO Taller de Paisaje
Graphic Design: Ernesto Moncada

Full version you can download here

Materials provided by Rojkind Arquitectos, photo GUIDO TORRES