SOM breaks ground on Guadalajara skyscraper
American architecture and engineering firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) has started construction on a groundbreaking mixed-use skyscraper in Guadalajara, Mexico.
Designed in collaboration with Mexico City-based Estudio AMA and interior designer Héctor Esrawe, the 190m-tall tower will be the tallest building in the Andares Zapopan district when completed in 2029.
The project, known as Legend, broke ground on 24 May 2024. It consists of a 52-storey skyscraper and an adjacent low-lying building housing the Canopy hotel.
The development will feature offices, retail spaces, a hotel, and 178 residential units, all aimed at reflecting the cultural richness of Guadalajara.
The buildings will be clad in concrete panelling with a reddish hue, achieved by adding local minerals to the mixture. According to SOM, the panelling will include hand-chiselled concrete details to add texture and a human element to the design. "Legend is a project that is of its time and place, bringing international stature rooted in local culture, materials, and craft," said SOM design principal José Luis Palacios.
"The design brings an architecture expressive of mass and weight with a sense of proportion that is unique to the region."
The tower's façade is designed to reduce solar glare and filter daylight, contributing to energy efficiency. Terraces at various levels will provide outdoor spaces for residents and guests, promoting indoor-outdoor living. The design includes stepped terraces and a retail courtyard at the ground floor level.
"Inspired by local traditions and seeking evolution, Legend aims to become a project that represents a historic change in its context," said Estudio AMA founder Andrés Muñoz Alarcón.
Developed by Trust Capital, Legend is set to become a new architectural landmark in Guadalajara, showcasing the city's booming design and architecture scene.
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