Vía 515 | Migdal Arquitectos

Strategically located between the airport and downtown Mexico City, Vía 515 is an ambitious mixed-use complex that reimagines the relationship between architecture, functionality, and sustainability. Comprising three main buildings—a shopping center, a 245-room hotel, and an office building—this project addresses both urban needs and the structural challenges of building on lacustrine soil.

A Design Adapted to its Urban Context
Vía 515 stands out for its seamless integration of commercial, hospitality, and corporate spaces. The three-story shopping center is positioned along Viaducto Miguel Alemán, a major avenue with heavy traffic, and arranged in a U-shape around a central courtyard. A translucent roof and glass façades allow natural light to flood the interior throughout the day, creating an inviting and open atmosphere for visitors.

Above the shopping center, an eight-story rectangular volume accommodates the 245-room hotel, arranged transversely to optimize space. The hotel takes advantage of the shopping center’s rooftop, transforming it into a terrace and garden. The façade, clad in custom-designed copper-colored aluminum panels, reflects the geo-volcanic topography of the Valley of Mexico, while filtering sunlight into the rooms. The hotel’s placement, set back more than 40 meters from the main avenue, and the use of sealed façades with mullions help reduce interior noise, ensuring a peaceful environment for guests.

Functional and Thoughtful Office Spaces
On the opposite side of the complex, the 12-story office building faces Añil Street. Its square layout, with glass façades and upper terraces, creates open and bright workspaces. An interior courtyard further enhances natural light flow, supporting a comfortable and productive work environment.

Connectivity and Accessibility
Vía 515 also prioritizes connectivity. Two internal streets form a pedestrian and vehicular circuit, linking both sides of the complex and providing access to the underground parking and service areas. The parking facility spans two levels, with additional space for 345 bicycles on the ground floor, promoting sustainable transportation in an area where cycling is common.

A Structural Response to Challenging Terrain
One of the most impressive aspects of Vía 515 is its structural design, which responds to the complexities of building on lacustrine soil. The foundation consists of a two-meter-thick slab and piles, ensuring stability and preventing differential settlement. The construction process involved a mass pour of 3,000 cubic meters of concrete, one of the largest in the country, showcasing the project’s technical precision and ambition.

A Vision for the Future
Vía 515 exemplifies modern urban architecture, merging functionality with thoughtful design to meet the needs of a growing city. The project not only provides a harmonious blend of retail, hospitality, and office spaces but also contributes to the urban landscape through innovative structural solutions and sustainable practices.

With its strategic location, innovative façade design, and commitment to enhancing the urban environment, Vía 515 stands as a model for future mixed-use developments in Mexico City.