14 DAY TRIAL // Architect Esteban Suarez has come up with a solution to the current problem for building space in Mexico City and it doesn’t even imply tearing down historical landmarks – because it’s completely underground.
If the Earthscraper is ever made, it will be the one building in the world to go this deep underground: no less than 300 meters (about 984 feet), the Daily Mail informs.
Placed at the heart of the historic center of Mexico City, it would have the structure of a pyramid and host mostly office spaces and shopping areas. However, it would also come with areas meant for leisure and, what’s most important, plenty of natural light.
Suarez imagined his Earthscraper with a roof (the base of the pyramid, the only one actually seen from up on the ground) of glass, which would allow plenty of natural light, while also offering a neat sight to tourists.
The pyramid itself would have 65 stories.
The plaza in Mexico City would thus remain unoccupied, leaving ample room for concerts, army parades and other such festivities, the British publication further writes.
“New infrastructure, office, retail and living space are required in the city but no empty plots are available,” Suarez, of BNKR Arquitectura, says.
“Federal and local laws prohibit demolishing historic buildings and even if this was so, height regulations limit new structures to eight stories. The city’s historic centre is in desperate need of a makeover but we have nowhere to put it, this means the only way to go is down,” he continues.
The design he imaged would serve a double purpose: offer new space (for offices, malls, etcetera), while preserving already existent buildings.
“The Earthscraper preserves the iconic presence of the city square and the existing hierarchy of the buildings that surround it. It will also allow the numerous activities that take place on the city square year round such as concerts, open-air exhibitions and military parades to go ahead,” Suarez explains.