Chedraui Santa Fe

Photo © Jaime Navarro Courtesy of Rojkind Arquitectos

The flagship store for Chedraui includes unique architectural programs and appearance while giving a green space back to the community

Photo © Jaime Navarro Courtesy of Rojkind Arquitectos

Location

Mexico City

Client

Chedraui

Year

2013

Status

Built

Program

Retail

Areas of Exploration

Community, Façade

Construction Area

17,484 square meters (188,196 square feet)

Partners

Rojkind Arquitectos (Michel Rojkind and Gerardo Salinas)

Chedraui commissioned a new flagship store for a complex, unarticulated site lacking pedestrian connectivity in the car-dependent development of Santa Fe, located on the western outskirts of Mexico City. The area is characterized by a deficiency of open space and parks. Additionally, the surrounding community lacks a sense of place, where local food producers had no presence in an area full of big brand name stores.

Site plan © Rojkind Arquitectos

Model © Rojkind Arquitectos

Photo © Jaime Navarro Courtesy of Rojkind Arquitectos

A unique program and identity were proposed for the new store along with providing a green space back to the community. Adding to the requested traditional retail space and parking component, a rooftop terrace housing a 1,725 square meter orchard and a 1,230 square meter market square were incorporated with a series of pathways connecting the two. Store patrons can access the orchard to learn about organic farming and purchase fresh produce. This experience contributes to an appreciation of food and understanding of the farm-to-fork movement. The market square now accommodates local producers, adding to the variety traditionally offered by the supermarket. As the interactive and exploratory environment evolves, new programmatic options can be accommodated. The space can be utilized as an event platform where local community groups and schools can hold educational programs, workshops, farm tours, children’s events, etc.

Photo © Jaime Navarro Courtesy of Rojkind Arquitectos

The facade is composed of 531 GFRC (glass fiber reinforced concrete) panels which give the store its dynamic signature in direct contrast to the typical “retail boxes” which have sprung up in the neighborhood. Four large tensile structures shelter the parking area and pathways to the orchard from the intense sun and become a luminous landmark as they glow at night.

Chedraui Santa Fe

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