‘A great architectural project is developed by thoroughly understanding the building’s flows.’
-Benjamín Romano
Benjamín Romano, architect of the Torre Reforma, and Santi Mercadé, CEO of Layetana Real Estate, discuss the relationship between architecture and real estate development.
“A great architectural project is developed by thoroughly understanding the building’s flows,” stated Mexican architect Benjamín Romano during his lecture for the Foros 2024: “Landing” cycle, organized by the Universitat Internacional de Catalunya (UIC Barcelona). The series began yesterday and will feature a total of six lecture-discussions in Barcelona running until May 16th.
Benjamín Romano shared the design and execution details of Torre Reforma, a skyscraper that has become a new icon of Mexico City. The building, a symbol of innovation and leadership in the high-rise industry, has achieved significant energy and cost savings.
Santi Mercadé, CEO of the real estate firm Layetana Real Estate, offered a counterpoint from the perspective of the real estate and development sector. Both speakers broke down the necessary collaborative relationship between architecture and property development.
Architect and professor Felipe Pich-Aguilera introduced the Foros series and the guest speakers. ‘Two years ago, we reflected on the challenges facing architecture; in this cycle, we are conversing with architects and experts whose projects exemplify how to solve these problems and show us where architecture is heading,’ he explained. He presented Benjamín Romano as a global architect who responds to his country’s reality with a contribution that goes beyond archetypes.
Benjamín Romano reviewed several projects from his firm, LBR&A Arquitectos, and the recurring principles behind his constructions. ‘The flow is like the body; every function must work perfectly,’ he explains. The architect, he argues, must master the flows of energy consumption, water, drainage, mechanical systems, and the movement of people and vehicles.