By Charles Carter, 02/10/22
In 2009, Mexican architecture firm BNKR dreamed up an underground Earthscraper concept for Plaza de la Constitución in Mexico City.
It aims to provide new commercial and living space while respecting the character of the historic area.
The plaza is in need of new infrastructure but no empty plots are available, building height is restricted to eight stories and redeveloping historic buildings isn’t permitted.
The 300m-tall up-turned pyramid was devised as an answer to these challenges and was recognized as a finalist in eVolo’s 2010 skyskraper competition.
But, since 2010, no further work has been done on realising the vision.
How does it work?
The base of the up-turned pyramid forms a new glass floor for the plaza, allowing natural light to illuminate the stories below and visually connecting life over and underground.
The first ten stories are dedicated to a pre-Columbian museum. The next ten stories are retail areas and housing while the deeper 35 stories are offices.
Every ten stories there are communal sky parks around the sides of the central pyramid-shaped void, directly illuminated with natural light.
Vertical greenery helps to provide oxygen for the habitable spaces and a water pump situated at the tip of the pyramid recycles used water for irrigation of the plants.
The total floor space of the Earthscraper is 775k m².
What are the potential benefits?
The Plaza de la Constitución is the main square of Mexico City, with an area of 57k m², making it one of the largest in the world. It is bordered by the Cathedral, the National Palace and the City Government buildings.
The Earthscraper helps protect this culturally vibrant place, while also providing new community infrastructure.
And the idea could help in the redevelopment of other city plazas around the world.
Questions for you. Comment below
- First thought that comes into your head?
- Pros and cons according to you?
- Other applications of this approach?
- What could this be combined with?
Links
https://www.evolo.us/earthscraper-in-mexico-city/
