The Hot El Centro is the tectonic realization of the absurdity and potential of developers' zeal for maximized space. How to cram 52 units and a lobby onto a 375 sm footprint 6 levels high?By bending space with a lively "twist:" a continuous ramp weaves in an extra half-level in dynamic resolution. The incline slices the building for an open courtyard feel; a breezeway full of plants, birds and guests. One can skateboard all the way down or wheelchair all the way up, enjoying limitless sightlines versus step-indexed views of typical stairways.
Common spaces aren’t shrink-wrapped and air conditioned but interact with the advantageous clime of Mexico.The units themselves are prefab: cost and quality control is greater on the factory floor. Sectionally identical, they act as cantilevered hollow structural tubes varying only in length to suit 1 bedroom, 2 bedroom or suite flavours. Shipped as cargo, they're hoisted upon the braced steel matrix frame. A network of data, mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems are at the ready for easy plug-and-play. The unit mix can be reconfigured as per type, level and even number for future expansion. The visitor's experience is enhanced: instead of confronting another's door across the corridor as a guest disembarks upon the city, each unit opens mid-level upon the canting circuitry of circulation. No two gazes are mirrored in plan or section, so jumping out in your underwear to retrieve the morning paper is an inoffensive affair. The efficiency of the double-loaded corridor merges with the privacy of the single.
The Hot El Centro's urban delights are myriad. It continues the pedestrian arcade while its street-level porosity invites those passing by into the bar, restaurant and retail spaces. The living wall graces the square with a vertical garden and frames the rooftop infinity pool. All while reducing solar heat gain, noise and energy costs. Overhead, rooms rhythmically jut to and fro forming a virtual gateway to the square, providing a bold architectural place-maker for El Cemtro, Guadalajara.
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