The Carscraper project in Mexico City presents a new approach to urban living by merging transportation with various functional spaces. Located in an area known for its high traffic, the design aims to tackle the challenges of city congestion. By creating a vertical micro-city, Carscraper transforms traditional parking structures into spaces that support multiple activities, offering a response to the evolving needs of urban residents.

Urban Mobility Integration

The concept behind Carscraper draws from the Pyramid of The Sun, suggesting a modern facility for urban transport. Here, vehicles are seen as mobile offices, allowing individuals to work and engage during their travels. This idea takes into account the potential for self-driving technology to enhance how people move around the city. In this way, commuting becomes a productive part of daily life, rather than a time-consuming burden.

Multifunctional Use

Carscraper’s design emphasizes multifunctionality, with several uses coexisting within one building. It includes spaces for shopping, entertainment, fitness, and work. There are cinemas, concert halls, gyms, libraries, offices, and restaurants all under one roof. This mix invites people to use the building throughout the day and encourages a lively urban atmosphere, contrasting sharply with typical parking areas that are often empty or only serve a single purpose.

Sustainability Features

Sustainability is a central theme within the Carscraper. The design features a piezoelectric road system that generates energy from vehicle movement, helping to lower overall energy consumption. Additionally, building-integrated photovoltaics act as both energy collectors and aesthetic elements, contributing to the overall appearance of the structure while promoting environmental responsibility.

Design Outcomes

Moreover, Carscraper addresses the wider implications of urban planning. The expected rise of self-driving cars by 2050 can help reduce urban sprawl and support the development of green spaces in densely populated areas. The design encourages personal offices and studios to be part of the city landscape, fostering new ideas about how spaces can be organized.

Expansive terraces offer outdoor areas for activities, promoting interaction among residents. The building's multiple levels also create opportunities for social engagement. In a city that often feels crowded and disconnected, Carscraper serves as a gathering point, enhancing the community experience while providing a functional response to urban challenges.