Designed by renowned Mexican architect Pedro Ramírez Vázquez
and his firm ICH, Birdair, Inc. recently completed
the fabrication and installation of a 34,800 square foot TiO2-coated
PTFE fiberglass membrane roof for the Amber Interactive Center in Tijuana, Baja
California, Mexico. This iconic structure was inspired by the human brain and serves
as a drug awareness, prevention and educational center for the youth of Mexico.
The left and right “hemispheres” of the structure match the
asymmetry of the brain and pay homage to the different functions of each side.
The design of the structure is split by a band of glass with a smooth half-dome
on one side and two overlapping domes on the other side.
The fabric membrane featured on the roof of the Amber
Interactive Center is PTFE, or polytetrafluoroethylene, fiberglass coated with
non-toxic and flame-resistant TiO2 (titanium dioxide) that requires
less maintenance due to its self-cleaning capabilities. The material is also
highly durable, weather and fire resistant, and has a projected life expectancy
exceeding 20 years.Known as Centro Ambar to Tijuana natives, this project was
built by the government of Tijuana with support from the state and federal
governments. The museum is located next to the Morelos Park and forms part of a
cultural corridor that starts with the interactive museum and ends with the
State Arts Center, all at the level of the nearby river. The Amber Interactive
Center is a project that aims to teach children about the problems caused by
drug addiction. The facility is made up of four rooms and in those areas,
visitors will learn on topics such as science, the human brain, addiction and a
life plan, and all related to the consumption of drugs. The museum is expected
to educate approximately 150,000 to 200,000 children annually.
The idea of the geometry was developed by the well-known
Mexican architects Pedro Ramirez and Gerardo Gallo of Mexico City. In addition
to Birdair, the project team includes architectural group Modulo 7, general
contractor Concreto Y Acero Funcional, Tijuana, Mexico, and the owners, City of
Tijuana, Mexico, State Government of Baja California Norte and Federal
Government of Mexico.