JSa: uset opd tlaxcala

‘uset-opd tlaxcala’ by JSª, tlaxcala, mexico all images courtesy JSª

based in mexico city, architectural practice JSª has recently completed ‘uset-opd tlaxcala’, a governmental complex located within the state of tlaxcala, mexico within a dedicated city plot. offices are positioned amidst a series of staggered platforms and bridges allowing pedestrians to traverse the tiered topography. the center is immediately encompassed by the existing wooded landscape while the programmatic areas for the two ministries and public education and health department are within close proximity to an urban residential context. the terrain forms a natural gully which serves as a water collector for interior uses.

staggered platforms bridge the natural terrain of the landscape

outdoor internal corridors lead to a central plaza, connecting each half of the site while also providing a clearing for recreation and gathering. tiers of vegetated roofs provide workers with predominantly pleasant vantage points which terminate within the distant tree canopies and mountains. comprised of white vertical slats spaced at varied intervals, the facade’s brise-soleil system is strategically placed to introduce sunlight into areas desiring natural illumination while shielding spaces in need of control over lighting conditions.

recreational plaza formed between the site’s programmatic areas

stairs connect the various elevations

stairs and bridges converge within interior plazas

green roof overlooking plaza and distant mountains

(left) open air interior spaces (right) view of the stacked offices

construction of the concrete bridge

concrete structure

erecting the columns

project info:

date: 2011 in collaboration with: DMG arquitectos – miguel de la torre location: tlaxcala, mexico type of project: offices total surface area: 499,480 sq ft activities performed: architectural project and architectural supervision