Sasaki and a|911 will be leading an ambitious ecological approach for the creation of a new urban district in León, Mexico, the longstanding heart of the Mexican auto industry, to cultivate a more dynamic urban experience for its citizens and visitors. The Cerro Norte plan for the Cerro Gordo and surrounding area of Leòn will set a new standard for responsible, sustainable development in Mexico.
“We were truly impressed by the exhaustive nature of Sasaki – a|911’s design concept. In direct contrast to predominant models of urban development in Mexico that have long-promoted isolated and inward-focused community development, this plan proposes a very different alternative that links industry and education, inspires commercial investment, and invites a civic spirit,” says Victor Reséndiz, Project Development Director, AL-CON. “We also see an opportunity to pioneer leading-edge ecological preservation and restoration—we’re proud to work with this team to capture still latent possibilities for León and the El Bajío region.”
Courtesy of Sasaki and a|911
Grupo Al-Con, a León-based real estate, urban development, and operations holding of companies, held an international design competition, inviting 20 teams to submit qualifications, before narrowing to three firms based on their international experience: Arquitectonica, Zaha Hadid, and the Sasaki – a|911 team.
The overarching vision for this largely undeveloped site is to transform it into a new urban center for León that culminates a string of urban infill projects along León’s touristic and economic corridor. It will preserve a significant area of the existing Cerro Gordo hill and valley for a public park and create a network of accessible walkways and streets in addition to mixed-use development.
“We were immediately intrigued by the opportunity to combine a restorative approach to the site and the city fabric around it, while promoting the creation of an entirely new urbanity for the city, anchored by the mix of vibrant programs set in direct contact with a recreated natural setting,” said Sasaki Principal in charge of the project, Pablo Savid-Buteler, LEED AP. “The project balances private development and civic attractions as part of a mutually reinforcing paradigm that promotes a different kind of urban life experience in the city,” adds a|911principal Jose Castillo.
Courtesy of Sasaki and a|911
Details of the initial approach presented by Sasaki’s team advocate for a multilayer urban design, landscape, infrastructure and programming strategy. More details can be viewed on Sasaki’s website. The project begins this summer with the masterplan expected to be complete by Spring/2017. Implementation will begin thereafter.
More information about Sasaki can be found at www.sasaki.com and information about a|911 at www.arq911.com.
For more information about AL-CON, please visit www.grupoalcon.com
SOURCE Sasaki
