August 11, 2014

Framed by the arid “Huasteca” Canyon located close to Monterrey, Mexico, and baptized as the “Gate of Creation” by its designer, Japanese architect Tadao Ando, the Roberto Garza Sada Art, Architecture, and Design Center (CRGS) has become an architecture icon within a year of its opening.

With a total built area of 13,115 square meters and located at the main campus of the “Universidad de Monterrey,” the CRGS focuses on keeping its inhabitants at the edge: Young creators that are capable of continuously renewing realities, discussing directions and offering design solutions.

Built in a period of 34 months by a team of 2, 800 construction workers, the CRGS defied forecasts that challenged its structural, aesthetic, and functional viability. Today, the Roberto Garza Sada Center is the first building in Latin America designed by Tadao Ando, who came up with its concept while trying to find orientation and harmonization of the structure within its natural context.

This outstanding project by Tadao Ando was built in a space of 99 meters long by 27 meters wide. Its six, double-height levels (5.40 m) required more than 16,000 cubic meters of CEMEX concrete, and 800 tons of steel.

Every detail was a challenge for everyone involved. Its design and the specifications that needed to be met for the concrete that would be used–made exclusively for this project-, tested the experience of Mexican and foreign firms devoted to solving challenges in any continent.

CEMEX involvement started with design analysis and further developed structure management, as well as concrete testing to meet with the resistance, color, and texture specifications required by the artist.

Together with local construction company Constructora Garza Ponce, responsible for project execution, CEMEX carried on mold and cast tests, where its technical experts made sure that the color of the concrete was kept uniform in each pouring and all requirements were met.

The warm and dry weather of the region forced CEMEX to replace water for ice during severe heat days in order to maintain the concrete’s temperature at 32 degrees Celsius. The aggregates were obtained from the same quarry section to maintain uniformity in its coloring.

The concrete finishing and the absence of precasted pieces have made this building an extraordinary architectural piece that ads beauty to the landscape. The structure is in harmony with its mountainous surrounding that encircles the Monterrey metropolitan area.

Tadao Ando is one of the most representative and acclaimed architects in the world. His creative essence, together with his Japanese roots and his mastery of simple geometric forms, has made him the winner of prestigious awards such as the Pritzker Prize in 1995. For more information, visit: www.andotadao.org

The Roberto Garza Sada Center (CRGS) is a place for ideas and expressions where best creative talent in art, architecture, and design gather together to develop in synergy. It is quickly becoming the center of art, architecture, and design education, creation, and preservation in Latin America. For more information, visit: About CRGS

CEMEX is a global building materials company that provides high-quality products and reliable services to customers and communities in more than 50 countries. CEMEX has a rich history of improving the well-being of those it serves through innovative building solutions, efficiency advancements, and efforts to promote a sustainable future.

###

CEMEX assumes no obligation to update or correct the information contained in this press release. CEMEX is not responsible for the content of any third-party website or webpage referenced to or accessible through this press release.

CEMEX Contact Information