Mexico’s BAAQ' Architects recently completed the restoration and refurbishment of the Dr. Atl 285 Apartment complex in Mexico City. The original structure was built in the late 1960s for industrial use and the restoration was carefully designed to preserve the cultural legacy and heritage of both the structure itself as well as the character and history of the local neighbourhood.
The site is located in the Santa Maria la Ribera neighbourhood whose proximity to the city centre has led to increasing gentrification and population density. The area is now largely attracting young professionals seeking to live in proximity to economic and cultural hubs whilst simultaneously valuing community and social connection.
The project brief prioritized sustainability, retaining the original character of the space yet also upgrading and adapting it to more modern lifestyle needs and fostering a sense of community and inclusivity through the innovative design of shared living and social spaces. The building is designed on a netlike structure of reinforced concrete beams and columns harking back to its industrial roots, which also had the effect of creating diaphanous spaces without dividing walls. The existing geometry of the building was harnessed and extended through the addition of wooden cubic elements to create private spaces as well as a modular design which allows for flexibility.
Moving from industrial to habitable use also created challenges for the location and design of circulation systems. Ultimately these were placed on the backyard patio using a permeable system which allowed natural light to filter through. Balconies and corridors used a triangular geometry design made it possible to preserve the original façade without affecting indoor lighting.
A key challenge of the space was to integrate inhabitants within the social fabric of the complex yet also remain anchored in the wider residential neighbourhood network. Outdoor spaces such as patios and a large open rooftop created common areas to encourage socializing and co-existence. A rooftop urban vegetable garden produces food for the complex and encourages sharing. The original courtyard was fit out with an underground water treatment plant to eliminate drainage discharge and instead recirculates 100% of the water used. A tree garden in the courtyard itself creates a park-like atmosphere and regenerates air quality throughout the site. These types of shared spaces enhance the user experience whilst simultaneously adding architectural value and emphasizing not only sustainable design but sustainable lifestyles.
The project is an example of how architecture can be used to adapt existing resources toward changing market needs whilst also retaining fidelity to the cultural and historical roots of the neighbourhood. This type of project demonstrates the regenerative potential of cities, the preservation of shared values and history as an alternative to costly and environmentally damaging new real estate development, and a viable and sustainable manner in which design solutions can be integrated not only into existing architecture but also baked into the social fabric of the communities which these buildings aim to serve.
