Tecnológico de Monterrey La Carreta Pavilion
Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico
A campus icon is transformed to promote collaboration and transparency
Tecnológico de Monterrey La Rectoría Renovation
The renovation of La Rectoría re-envisions the building’s entry experience while respecting its institutional heritage and architectural legacy
Sasaki was retained by the Tecnológico de Monterrey at its flagship campus in Monterrey, to repurpose and reimagine interior spaces in the main administrative building—La Rectoría.
La Rectoría is an icon for both the campus and the city of Monterrey. Designed by the campus planners Mario Pani and Enrique de la Mora and inaugurated in 1954, it housed the library, Sala Major, offices and teaching spaces as a center for the campus institutional resources. Successive renovations over time deteriorated the original design yet maintained the building as a campus centerpiece, featuring the Cervantina Collection among its treasures, as well as the campus administration.
New glazing for the lobby enclosure and a modified set of podium and stairs allow for ease of movement upon entry
Before: Heavy railings and textured finishes competed with the interior murals
After: Glass railings and minimized slab edges focus attention on the murals by Jorge Gonzales Camarena
The charge for the project was twofold: reimagine the lobby to invigorate the historic structure while making it handicap accessible, and provide adjacent spaces for the exhibit and showcase of the institute’s intellectual and research activities.
The completed project repositions the building as the campus’ centerpiece, adapting its spaces to contemporary needs. Galleries, multipurpose rooms, and an amphitheater provide new areas for meeting and learning about the institution’s inventions and breakthroughs. Locally sourced materials, terrazzo flooring, wood screens and partitions, and glass railings focus attention on the restored building elements and heritage pieces, such as the murals by Jorge Gonzales Camarena.
The amphitheater connects the ground and basement levels and provides space for small- to mid-sized presentations and a unique lounge space for everyday use
Warm wood tones contrast the the white finishes used elsewhere in the building and complement the historic murals
Informal gathering spaces surround the amphitheater allowing for collaboration between students and additional seating for presentations
The ground floor also contains ample space for showcasing the most recent and innovative projects of the university
Finishes and furniture in the building’s central assembly space—Sala Mayor—were updated to enhance comfort, improve acoustic performance, and provide up-to-date audiovisual equipment
Warm wood tones contrast the the white finishes used elsewhere in the building and complement the historic murals
Informal gathering spaces surround the amphitheater allowing for collaboration between students and additional seating for presentations
The ground floor also contains ample space for showcasing the most recent and innovative projects of the university
Finishes and furniture in the building’s central assembly space—Sala Mayor—were updated to enhance comfort, improve acoustic performance, and provide up-to-date audiovisual equipment
The restored and amplified mezzanine provides the Sala Mayor needed breakout and pre-function space maintaining rich spatial connections and views across four stories
The new glass enclosure helps highlight the mural on the building’s façade
For more information contact Pablo Savid-Buteler.
