• LOCATION: SAN PEDRO GARZA GARCIA, NUEVO LEON, MEX
• CLIENT: ABELLA DESARROLLOS
• SIZE: APPROX. 140.000 m² NEW BUILDING
• YEAR: 2014
• STATUS: COMPETITION PROPOSAL, 2ND PLACE – CLOSED
• ARCHITECTS: CEBRA, GLR ARQUITECTOS
• LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT: HARARI

Ciudadela is a proposal for a new commercial complex containing retail, restaurants, a cinema and a hotel. Instead of adding another classic shopping mall to the city our design aims at introducing a distinctive new element to San Pedro, which contains all the positive aspects of a traditional city centre. The goal is to complement the existing cityscape by creating an extraordinary place that is based on the interrelation between the urban and the human scale, flow and social interaction – a place that contributes to a vibrant new neighbourhood, which affects San Pedro as a whole.

Ciudadela is inspired by the experience of a lively city centre that contains all the elements of a small city: intimacy, cozy corners, plazas, parks and nature. With this strategy we wish to accentuate and distinguish Ciudadela from the high amount of malls in Monterrey, which are predominantly characterised by enclosed indoor spaces. Instead, the project creates a place that interacts with its surroundings, that is easily accessible both by car and foot and grants views over the city and its spectacular mountains.

Ciudadela is organised as a complex of freestanding, varying building volumes, which are covered with a continuous perforated skin that allows for passages, views and inflow of daylight. This overall concept results in a permeable structure that relates to the surrounding urban context as well as to the human scale in continuation of San Pedro’s existing green spaces. A place for shopping, entertainment and leisure – all within an open air experience that reminds us of the pleasure of exploring a small town, wandering under the tree canopy along the streets, discovering new corners and unique spots.