
LA HOJA
The commission involved creating a covering for the central space of the recently completed library at Monterrey Tec. The goal was to protect the space from rain, sun, and uncontrolled winds so that it could be used year-round. This was particularly important because the space was underutilized and had become somewhat dysfunctional during storms to the point where the lack of covering was creating a condition that was beginning to deteriorate the building’s courtyard. The trees on the very lush campus inspired the creation of a veil simulating leaves falling on the surface via a pattern that will be screened on the ETFE. The falling leaves were further connected to the idea of evoking Fall and the moment when the semester

begins when students are positive and excited by a new beginning. The ultralightweight structure will create new patterns as the sun moves across the surface and, in turn, provide a sense of time passing as one studies in the library. The building in which the new roof is located was designed by Sasaki and Associates in a contemporary style defined by large stone and glass planes. The rigidity of the geometry is broken by a series of bridges crossing the space at varied angels as well as stairs connecting the different levels. It was important to both pay homage to the geometry and style while also introducing a more whimsical element of the design. IMAGES BY RAFAEL GAMO

YEAR
SIZE
TYPE
STATUS
LOCATION
CLIENT
COLLABORATION
2019
600 M2
INSTITUTIONAL
COMPLETED
MONTERREY, MEXICO
TECNOLÓGICO DE MONTERREY
BUILDING DESIGN: SASAKI & ASSOCIATES, ARCHITECT OF RECORD: GILBERTO RODRIGUEZ, WERNER SOBEK, DUNN LIGHTWEIGHT STRUCTURES, DELECTRIC, NOWOFOL