Mexico. A university campus defined by arches and modular volumes

The Carolina University in Saltillo is strongly connected to the surrounding landscape: the building preserves the existing trees and establishes, through the facade, a continuous dialogue between the inside and outside.

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Francesca Grillo
14 February 2021
Satillo, Coahuila, México
Taller Arquitectónico with Roma 212 and Yolanda Ceballos
1,300 sqm
University building
2016

Carolina University is located on a hill near the urban center of Satillo, the capital and largest city of the Mexican state of Coahuila, close to Monterrey. The project by Taller Arquitectónico with Roma 212 and Yolanda Ceballos is strongly connected to the landscape: the layout of the architecture follows the surrounding environment and preserves the almost 100-year-old trees of the area.

The project is based on a system of modules, which move and alternate in relation to the context. The seven modules – each consisting of a rectangular plan of about 75 square meters and arranged on two levels for classrooms – create two main blocks. Between them, an additional building includes services and an external staircase.

Taller Arquitectónico with Roma 212 and Yolanda Ceballos, Carolina University. Photo Francisco Alvarez

The structure, distributed over a total area of 1,300 square meters, is made of concrete. Characterized by a cladding of bricks and arched openings, the south facade frames a covered passage serving as a filter between inside and outside as well as a meeting place. Front walls seem to detach from the building adding a dynamic effect, also emphasized by the staggered arrangement of modules.

Taller Arquitectónico with Roma 212 and Yolanda Ceballos, Carolina University. Photo Francisco Alvarez

The addition of dark metal, used for the arches and the central stair block, complete the facade, while white concrete stripes run around the volumes breaking the uniformity of the bricks.

Universidad Carolina
Satillo, Coahuila, México
University building
Taller Arquitectónico with Roma 212 and Yolanda Ceballos
Cris González, Gina Cantú
Canadá, Grupo Inmobiliario
1,300 sqm
2016

Taller Arquitectónico with Roma 212 and Yolanda Ceballos, Universidad Carolina Foto Cesar Bejar

Taller Arquitectónico with Roma 212 and Yolanda Ceballos, Universidad Carolina Photo Francisco Alvarez

Taller Arquitectónico with Roma 212 and Yolanda Ceballos, Universidad Carolina Photo Adrian Llaguno