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Springall + Lira / BGP aruitectura, México DF, México
 
 

Perspective

Explanation of the Architect

The circle is the geometric shape that best represents the values of the ICC. As a symbol, it is balanced and undeformable, it has no edges or corners and it is extremely stable, it looks the same from any stand-point. Internally, it creates equal conditions and equal distances from the center, it is a democratic shape. The building is autonomous to the site, it expresses distinctive authority, yet through its shape and the intentional distortions of its skin, it is also smooth and gentle.
The building is introvert and extrovert, giving protection and a 360° degree sight of the world.

Opinion of the Jury

The author provides a circular building – 'as a symbol, balanced and undeformable'. The Jury respects this clear organisation and structure of the design, but it also found that the design concept does not sufficiently reflect the values of the ICC. Too many different connotations are possible. The integration of the building circle into the surroundings was considered to autonomous and therefore unsatisfactory from an urban planning and architectural perspective. Furthermore, flexibility and inner circulation routes were seen to be questionable, the middle zones have no contact to the outside and restrict orientation.