Yesterday, we shared Foster + Partners‘ master plan for the West Kowloon Arts District. Today, we’re bringing you Foster’s first office headquarters in Argentina. Working with construction firm, CRIBA S.A. and local architect, BBRCH-Minond, Foster + Partners recently won the competition to design a new corporate headquarters for the Banco Ciudad of Buenos Aires. This huge headquarters, which will occupy an entire block, will incorporate a series of ‘villages’ that are connected by exterior circulation routes through patios and courtyards.
More images and more about the new headquarters after the break.
© Foster + Partners
The undulating roof seems to be floating gracefully above the entrance plaza, leading visitors directly into a full-height atrium. Terraced office spaces are organized around this main space, all benefiting from natural daylighting and enjoying beautiful park views.
© Foster + Partners
As the area has recently been identified by the city’s government as a center of technology, this new bank seeks to provide a functional corporate entity that incorporates the latest sustainable features. These include utilising the exposed thermal mass of concrete soffits with chilled beams for cooling; and reducing energy demands through shaded facades, which are oriented according to the path of the sun, and by encouraging natural ventilation.
© Foster + Partners
David Summerfield, design director at Foster + Partners, commented, “The plans will create a sustainable, distinctive headquarters for the bank, while drawing on the site’s industrial past to reinforce the unique character of the neighbourhood.”
© Foster + Partners
© Foster + Partners
Banco Ciudad Headquarters / Foster + Partners originally appeared on ArchDaily, the most visited architecture website on 26 Aug 2010.
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