Pillars of Strength A foundation’s headquarters emphasizes its core values
By Marcy Marro, Managing Editor
In spite of the current economic crisis, the coun- selors of the Chihuahua’s Businessmen Foun- dation, or FECHAC for its acronym in Spanish, decided to build an “emblematic or iconic” head- quarters in Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, Mexico, to show that the Foundation was in favor of invest- ing in hard times, creating jobs and promoting their commitment to show permanency and strength in diffi cult times.
“The goal was an emblematic building that had a
meaning for the community, so we tied the shape of the building to the very core of the institution—their values—and tied to make an unique building,” says architect Ruben Escobar-Urrutia, LEED AP, Grupo ARKHOS, Ciudad Juárez, who designed the project with Ricardo Pacheco.
The foundation’s core values—giving, common
good, solidarity and subsidiarity—are tied to the build- ing’s four columns, which are wrapped in shimmering metal panels from Alcoa Architectural Products, East- man, Ga. The tessellated aluminum panel volumes mark the offi ce area and similar to four giant stone blocks, are permanent and unmovable. “As the core values of the foundation, they are not replaced or removed by time or events,” Escobar-Urrutia explains. “As a similitude with the stone heads on Easter Island, they watch over their people and their community.” While the columns may be unchanging, the
tessellated façade will change over time. Escobar- Urrutia explains that the façade will look different throughout the day, as the daylight hits the volumes at different angles, intensity and color. After the sun sets, a selection of LED color-changing lights will illuminate the façade with an array of shades and colors. “The two concepts refl ect the ever-changing way of adapting to situations for the organiza- tion; the methods employed to solve or address problems change, but its values stay permanent,” describes Escobar-Urrutia.
GRAND AWARD WINNER/ SMOOTH METAL PANELS
JUDGES
Mark Dewalt, AIA, principal at Chicago-based Valerio Dewalt Train Associates, brings more than 30 years of architectural experience to the management of many of the fi rm’s largest and most challenging projects. His experience includes a variety of build- ing types, including high-tech laboratory facilities, commercial offi ce buildings and retail facilities.
An integral member of Line and Space since 1987, Henry Tom, AIA, NCARB, has worked on a num- ber of public projects that sensitively respond to their place and include tempered microclimates for extend- ed usability of exterior space, water harvesting, grey water reuse and energy conservation. He combines project-specifi c design creativity with a strong respect and understanding of the environment. He received the American Institute of Architects
(AIA) Arizona Architect’s Medal in 2010, the highest honor given for outstanding design achievement, and is a past recipient of the AIA Arizona Young Architect Citation.
John Saldana is originally from Mexico, where he attended Instituto Technologica y Estudios Superi- ores Monterrey and received his Bachelor of Archi- tecture, with minor studies in history and landscape architecture. He came to the U.S. in 1994 and be- came a founding principal with ROJO Architecture in 1998. John is a connoisseur of architecture, traveling extensively and hungry for history. His architecture is a result of his passions, with an inherent honesty in materials, forms and fl ow. Staying young-at-heart, John is a self-proclaimed “foodie,” concert fan and museum junkie.