The Architecture of the Structural System of the BBVA Tower Mexico City _CTBUH Conference Paper

CTBUH Published Paper and Presentation 

The paper describes findings throughout the architectural design process of the structural system of the BBVA Tower in Mexico City which reached completion in 2016. One focus of investigation is on how key aspects like seismic design as well as intumescent technology enable an architectural language which emphasizes legibility within the system and its components.

Downstream aspects such as how local fabrication and construction culture as well as constraints inform the architectural decision making process will be discussed. This will be explored in context with the emergence of a tectonic language and details exposing the steelwork within the assembly. Further investigation will be carried out into how the structural megaframe enables an architecture with multi-storey garden spaces as a notion of vertical realm and urban densification. With that the paper concludes by putting forward the building as a tested prototype representing a new generation of urban substance which is proposing strategies for future models of urban densification in the South Americas.

Authors:  Dirk Krolikowski , UCL, The Bartlett School of Architecture; Mark Gorton, Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners : During his time at Rogers Dirk was in charge of the design development of the structural system for the 235m tall high-rise structure working in close collaboration with ARUP London.

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