Hato Rey Skyscraper | Clara Tresgallo Parés

The natural world has provided us with an infinite amount of inspiration to draw upon and spark our creativity. It has also supplied us with the building blocks for sustainability and functionality. Without us having to create anything, there has always been architecture, just not in the way we are used to understanding it or seeing it. For that reason it is not uncommon for architects to take these elements that we have taken for granted and present them in a way that shatters our perceptions and demonstrates the complexities of life.

courtesy of © Clara Tresgallo Parés

Clara Tresgallo Parés’ innovative skyscraper proposal evolved from the twisting branches of mangrove trees surrounding the building site in Hato Rey, Puerto Rico. With this proposal Parés seeks to inspire her countrymen while providing a structure they can identify with, inspiring new growth in Hato Rey by mirroring natural growth. The building starts with a strong base, it’s roots extending out to connect with the rest of the area, drawing people in and allowing for direct access to public transportation. From there the structure sprouts up creating spaces for house apartments, businesses, public spaces, and even a hotel.

courtesy of © Clara Tresgallo Parés

The vertical element of the skyscraper consists of four separate towers that twist together, which can vaguely be seen from the exterior through the different treatment of their façades. The braided quality of the structure creates an unconventional shape that relays the idea of the whole being a composite of many. The separate towers provide the opportunity to explore the different possibilities of movement through the space as people move between buildings vertically and diagonally. To further mimic the mangrove tree, the moments where the towers connect would contain water features and vegetation, providing elements directly associated to the influence.