In the heart of Polanco, an iconic district of Mexico City, lies Corporativo CDA, a project that has transformed a 1950s house into the headquarters of a law firm. The intervention respects the functionalist essence of the original building, integrating contemporary elements that convey modernity and trust.
The design approach begins with a precise selection of materials, where the "recinto" stone, used on both the facade and interiors, symbolizes institutional solidity. This material is contrasted with the warmth of light oak wood, incorporated into doors and acoustic panels, bringing a sense of balance between robustness and comfort.
Natural light plays a crucial role in the project. A strategically placed window next to the main staircase allows light to enter both levels, creating a bright and open atmosphere. The east and west facades, with their expansive floor-to-ceiling windows, maintain a direct relationship with the outdoors. On the west facade, facing Goldsmith Street, a Tzalam wood lattice has been added, redefining the building's character and providing a sense of privacy and distinction that shifts away from its residential origins.
The architectural journey from the entrance to the reception is conceived as an experience where natural elements, such as varied vegetation and a water feature flowing under the staircase, are integrated. The reception, clad in black marble with white veins, establishes a dialogue with the original white marble flooring, while a mirrored wall amplifies the sense of space, imbuing the area with subtle and professional elegance.
At the client’s request, a significant intervention was made on the ground floor, completely opening the east facade toward the garden, allowing for a seamless connection between the interiors and the outdoor space. This approach was also applied to common areas such as meeting rooms and the kitchen, which now fully open onto the terrace, providing a work environment that harmoniously integrates with the natural surroundings.
The intervention also focused on cleaning and restoring the original architecture, removing inappropriate elements that had been added over time. The decision to clad the walls in "recinto" stone arose from discovering volcanic rock in the landscaping of the entrance, integrating it as a natural link between the interior and exterior.
The internal layout is straightforward and functional. A central corridor on the ground floor organizes workspaces and meeting rooms, culminating in a double-height space that emphasizes spatial hierarchy upon reaching the main meeting room. On the upper level, fluid circulation and the integration of a white lattice in the War Room establish a coherent visual connection between the various office spaces.
The furniture, primarily designed by Branco Estudio, brings a sober and timeless elegance, while the art curation by Marcela Cauduro includes works by artists such as Saúl Kaminer, Ricardo Pinto, and Héctor de Anda, adding depth and character to the environment.
One of the project’s challenges was its execution within a limited timeframe, driven by the firm's need to start operations quickly, in a pandemic context that complicated material logistics. Nevertheless, the result is a space that not only meets functional needs but also provides a work environment where architecture, interior design, and art are integrated in a coherent and meaningful way.