Transparente
Arq. Paco Alvarez
Product Spec Sheet

ElementBrandProduct Name
Metal CladdingALPOLIC® | Metal Composites Materials
Wood CeilingRulon International
Stretched Fabric CeilingBarrisol - Normalu Sas
Glass FaçadeCristacurva
Wood FloorGrato
Terrazzo FloorsTerrazzo & Marble Supply

Product Spec Sheet
Wood Ceiling
Stretched Fabric Ceiling
Glass Façade
Wood Floor
by Grato
Terrazzo Floors

Transparente

FGP Atelier as Architects

The Rectoría at Monterrey Tec’s primary campus in Monterrey, Mexico, serves as the central administration building for the entire system of campuses around Mexico. The building is the most iconic on the campus and one of the most important in the history of modern architecture in Mexico. Since its construction, its use has changed many times. The result of all these modifications over the years is that the building retains its historic character in some areas, but not necessarily in others. A clear sense of cohesion is lacking. Most importantly, however, the spaces do not function optimally. Many on campus feel that the building appears closed and uninviting. It lacks transparency and a logical internal flow. The extraordinarily valuable collection housed in the rare books library – the Cervantina – is not even known to many potential users, and the functioning of the central lecture hall is less than ideal. Finally, the basement level lacks natural light, and the vertical circulation does not meet current standards.

FGP ATELIER - Rectoria - Interior - 1.jpg

In this context, the leadership of the university decided that they needed to make a significant improvement. In developing a design solution that responded to this choice, it was imperative that the building retain its historic character. In particular, the design brief expressed the importance of respecting the murals in the lobby and on the facade. This approach would help ensure that the new design would appear to be a harmonious extension of the original intent.

The transformation of the building that we have come to call “Transparente” would be accomplished through the application of a few essential ideas:

  • Creation of grand spaces in synchronicity with the scale and importance of the building;
  • creation of a clear and legible circulation concept;
  • recovery of the original spatial relationship between the access plaza and the building, which speaks again about concepts of openness and democracy;
  • respecting the past through a thoughtful and minimal intervention paying special attention to materials and systems;
  • focusing on functionality to accommodate change and provoke seamless flows among all spaces;
  • striking a balance between preservation of the building’s special character, quality, and historical significance and facilitating change in a way that sustains it into the future;
  • ensuring that the new layers represent the ideas, technology, material, and architectural language of future generation;
  • focusing on the quality of the relationship between old and new, and not in the architectural language per se;
  • designing quality in the new Rectoría defined by scale, form, material, color, and detail; and
  • ensuring that the Rectoría reflects the new spirit of Monterrey Tec.

FGP ATELIER - Rectoria - Interior - 2.jpg

This strategy would go beyond materials and finishes; instead, it would be about connectivity and transparency in an almost metaphysical sense. This notion can be seen in the transformation of the primary façade that has come to signal the renovation of the building and define the overall image of the project. While the original façade was more opaque as a result of being composed of a mixture of glass, stone, and tile, the new façade is entirely glass. The result is a strong sense of transparency that blurs the line between the interior of the lobby and public plaza in order to create a sense of openness that invites those passing by to enter.

FGP ATELIER - Rectoria - Aeriel View.jpg

Connectivity and transparency can also be seen in the new two-level hall connecting the ground level to the basement level. The hall itself is defined by a double-height space with a set of stairs and seats connecting the two levels. Coworking and gathering spaces form the perimeter of the two-level hall. Once on the lower level, visitors can see that a similar strategy has been introduced on the two parallel sides of the building, creating a stepped area that allows light to enter the once dark basement. Directly above this hall is the two-level Sala Major, which serves as a primary place for lectures and gatherings. While the form was not altered, the surfaces and furniture were updated to enhance comfort, improve acoustic performance, and provide up-to-date audiovisual equipment.

 

Material Used :
1. Cristacurva - Glass Façade
2. Alpolic - Metal Cladding
3. Rulon International - Wood Ceiling
4. Terrazzo and Marble Supply Companies - Terrazzo Floors
5. Barrisol - Stretched Fabric Ceiling
6. Plaka - Perforated Accoustic Ceiling
7. Grato - Wood Floor

 

Read story in ItalianoDeutschEspañolFrançais and Português

Project Credits
Lighting, MEP, Accoustics, Façade
Associate Architect
Architects
Landscape Architects
Wind Consultant
Project Spotlight
Product Spotlight
News
Sports Hall by Grido architekti references functionalism of 1930s Czech architecture
14 Feb 2025 News
Sports Hall by Grido architekti references functionalism of 1930s Czech architecture

Czech architectural studio Grido architekti has designed a sports hall for the pupils of an elementa... More

UNStudio’s new Chongqing development balances demand for high-rise living with health and well-being of residents
10 Feb 2025 News
UNStudio’s new Chongqing development balances demand for high-rise living with health and well-being of residents

International architecture and design practice UNStudio has completed 18T Mansion, a high-rise resid... More

Archello houses of the month - January 2025
5 Feb 2025 News
Archello houses of the month - January 2025

Archello has selected its houses of the month for January 2025. This list showcases 20 of the m... More

Polish Embassy in Berlin by JEMS Architekci is a “testament to architectural diplomacy”
4 Feb 2025 News
Polish Embassy in Berlin by JEMS Architekci is a “testament to architectural diplomacy”

A project that was thirteen years in the making, the new Polish Embassy in Berlin officially opened... More

Ika.architekti builds fun and functional DIY sauna in Brno
31 Jan 2025 News
Ika.architekti builds fun and functional DIY sauna in Brno

Brno-based ika.architekti has built an upcycled sauna using an array of old materials. The project i... More

Francine Houben, Isabel Van Haute, Stephan Chevalier and DaeWha Kang named as Archello Awards 2025 jurors
27 Jan 2025 Archello Awards
Francine Houben, Isabel Van Haute, Stephan Chevalier and DaeWha Kang named as Archello Awards 2025 jurors

Archello is pleased to announce the first group of its esteemed jurors for the newly launched Archel... More

HGAA expands restaurant in Bãi Cháy with a building that embraces nature
27 Jan 2025 News
HGAA expands restaurant in Bãi Cháy with a building that embraces nature

Vietnamese architectural studio HGAA was included in Archello’s list of the 25 best architectu... More

Mole Architects elevates “mundane” 1960s English bungalow with new extension
27 Jan 2025 News
Mole Architects elevates “mundane” 1960s English bungalow with new extension

Cambridge-based architectural studio Mole Architects has completed the upgrade and extension of an e... More