Urban Works

PORTFOLIO | URBAN WORKS

ROBERTO ABREGO

“Cities have the capability of providing something for everybody, only because, and only when, they are created by everybody.”

- Jane Jacobs

*sketch by Gabriel Campanario from The Urban Sketching Handbook

IMPLEMENTING THE NEW URBAN AGENDA

CASE STUDY AND PROJECT PROPOSAL

▸ Introduction: Las Americas Park in the mid-90s in an abandoned empty lot below high voltage lines in a residential neighborhood in south Monterrey, near to the iconic Cerro de la Silla monument and the main symbol of the city. Quickly it becomes an attractive public space for neighbors. However, other surrounding parks were not that successful, containing all outdoor activities in a limited area.

▸ Case Study: Why Las Americas Park is a success with the community? Which are their strengths and their areas of opportunity? Is it a fine example of good public space? Final objective: to find the design principles that make the park efficient and attractive with the neighborhood.

▸ Project Proposal: to other adjacent parks, applying all good design principles founded in the case study, to create a network of parks within neighborhoods and generate a green urban trail, as an alternative to have pedestrian mobility to places of general interest such as schools, public transportation stops and stations, churches, commercial areas and others.

URBAN WORKS DISTRITO TEC

▸ Distrito Tec is an urban regeneration initiative driven and promoted by Tec de Monterrey together with government authorities social organizations and citizens. The master plan was designed by Sasaki Architects (http:// www.sasaki.com/project/345/tecnolgico-demonterrey-urban-regeneration-plan/)

▸ I was responsible for managing the obtention of municipal permits for some of Distrito Tec projects, such as the demolition of the former stadium to give space for a new public park and a wellness complex, as well for the construction of the new stadium and new buildings inside the campus.

VALLE PONIENTE

▸ Valle Poniente was one of the first planned communities developed in Mexico. It is located on the west of the Greater Monterrey Area, surrounded by nature and spectacular mountains. Several upscale residential neighborhoods were established there.

▸ I worked on proposals and designs of two new communities inside the Cordillera Residencial neighborhood. Also, I was responsible for manage the municipal permits for the government authorities to develop both projects. I coordinate the local utility companies to provide services to

ARBOLEDA

▸ Parque Arboleda is a public zone with a grand central park where offices, restaurants, services and boutique commerce coexist. This innovative concept invites the user to perform unique outdoor activities and experiences and to share moments with the community. It also has an event pavilion that offers shows and cultural activities on a live space and roofed pedestrian corridors.

▸ As a Design Manager for the second phase, I was responsible for the planning and coordination of designers and consultants to build a mixed-use complex with a JW Marriott hotel, luxury condos and retail area, overseeing the company’s urban design principles.

URBAN WORKS CANTERA

▸ Cantera is the first master-planned community developed by Carza, one of the most important real estate companies in Monterrey, Mexico. The design consists of 10 apartment buildings in a 54-acre lot with panoramic views over the city skyline. The whole project was designed by Legorreta mas Legorreta architects.

▸ I participated in this project since the beginning, from the design competition to the management of implementing the project working closely within the company Marketing, Development and Construction teams with the architects firm.

RUBA COMMUNITIES

▸ Ruba is one of the main housing developers in Mexico, with 40 years of experience and a presence in 18 cities over the country.

▸ Besides designing the company communities and subdivisions, I was responsible for the proposal of social housing neighborhood parks, using low maintenance materials and a simple but attractive landscape design. The main design principle was everybody deserves a good quality public space that invites the community not only to use and enjoy but also to take care of them.