Gate 1 Zonamerica

  • Locationzonamerica, 91600 Montevideo, Departamento de Montevideo
  • CountryUruguay
  • ClientZonamerica
  • Date2010
  • PracticePonce de Leon Architects
  • TypeMasterplan
  • StatusCompleted
The provision of spaces for cars, buses, trucks and pedestrians was conceived as a whole: architectural engineering, infrastructure and construction skills were integrated within a shared vision of the new main access.
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The bus system that arrives to Zonamerica needed new facilities for tenants. The project is an excellent demonstration of how the built environment influences the quality of our lives. The provision of spaces for cars, buses, trucks and pedestrians was conceived as a whole: architectural engineering, infrastructure and construction skills were integrated within a shared vision of the new main access.

The curved forms of these spaces are expressive of the enormous forces they are designed to withstand. The bus system was very difficult to negotiate, relying on signage system and municipal and national approvals.

The experience of moving so many vehicles and people in such a reduced space is dramatic. The concept offers flexibility for future changes and makes the spaces clearly legible. The lightweight elements such as stairs and ticket barriers are designed to be maintenance-free.