Designed by Jonathan Corral Arquitectos, the UAD Alamedas Tower marries Gothic elegance with modern architecture. This educational building in Durango, Mexico, showcases a faceted glass facade reminiscent of stained-glass windows traditionally found in cathedrals.
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UAD Alamedas Tower and Its Surroundings
Part of the Universidad Durango Santander, this structure proudly stands by the scenic Las Alamedas. The surrounding area influences the architectural design, achieving a harmony between urban presence and the natural landscape.
The 7,987-square-metre building contains eight levels and a basement. It houses diverse facilities, including classrooms, studios, auditoriums, and a courtroom for mock trials — catering to courses such as law, architecture, and gastronomy.
The facade comprises grey fibre-cement panels and black metal screens, with an impressive central glazed elevator and curtain wall. The triangular glass panes reflect Gothic influences, yet engage with contemporary urban aesthetics.
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Facing north, the structure presents a varied appearance. To the rear, more restraint prevails; grey cladding and narrow windows mark a shift in transparency. A broad stone staircase leads to the main entrance, doubling as a communal plaza, while elevating the structure to avert flooding.
Visitors are welcomed into a soaring atrium. Walkways with frosted glass railings offer visual continuity to the outside world, maintaining the connection to Las Alamedas.
A black marble sunken plaza and sculptural staircases define the lobby. Here, exposed structural elements embody the design philosophy: showcasing the building’s construction logic and providing a dialogue between structure and space.
The basement caters to digital research with its stark concrete walls and floors, while the uppermost level features auditoriums beneath a pine-lattice ceiling. A rooftop terrace crowns the building, offering panoramic city views.
This project marks another innovative addition to Mexican architecture, alongside a business school amid verdant courtyards in Aguascalientes, and Tatiana Bilbao’s biotechnology building in Mexico City. The use of gothic architecture elements makes it stand out even more.
Project Credits:
- Design architect: Jonathan Corral Contreras
- Design team: Heriberto Díaz Ortega, Aida Uribe, Sergio Cisneros, Osvaldo Medina, Julio Rodriguez
- Contractor: Forum Constructura, Martin Soriano Villanueva, Fernando Soriano Villanueva
- Structural engineering: Jesús González Flores
Source: dezeen.com
Frequently asked questions
What architectural style does the UAD Alamedas Tower feature?
The UAD Alamedas Tower features a blend of Gothic elegance with modern architecture, showcasing a faceted glass facade reminiscent of stained-glass windows traditionally found in cathedrals.
What type of facilities does the UAD Alamedas Tower include?
The building houses diverse facilities, including classrooms, studios, auditoriums, and a courtroom for mock trials, catering to courses such as law, architecture, and gastronomy.
What element emphasizes the UAD Alamedas Tower’s Gothic influence?
The facade features triangular glass panes that reflect Gothic influences while engaging with contemporary urban aesthetics.
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