Bogota, Colombia
With impressive views towards the city and in direct relationship with the secluded Seminario Mayor, one of the largest and most important seminaries in Colombia, this 13 story residential project consists of two towers with a total of 36 apartments. The project is located on a prominent site along Septima Avenue in the north section of Bogota, and it is surrounded by the mountains and the majestic gardens of the adjacent Chico Park. A ravine and water gorge delimits the property to the north and serves as a buffer and separation to the neighboring property delineating the unique angular shape of the site. Vitrvm is contextually inspired by the beauty of its immediate surroundings and it aims to reflect and to engage with the nature that converges at the site.
The two towers are distinguished by singular forms, each with a unique expression and in dialogue with each other. Tower 1 is characterized as a prismatic structure distinctively articulated by folds, planes and carved surfaces, while Tower 2, an almost rectangular shape is defined by two solid punctuated planes. The massing of both towers responds to the internal program, the relationship with the immediate context, the views to the exterior and the privacy required for each unit. With two apartments per floor on Tower 1, the floor plate is bisected through the middle to generate two distinct and large units with four bedrooms, each with a unique character and enjoying views towards the vibrant city valley and the tranquil scenery of the ravine and beautiful architecture of the old seminary. Both units enjoy ample morning and afternoon natural daylight, have direct access to private elevators and share a service core.
In contrast to Tower 1, Tower 2 has only one apartment per floor comprised of three bedrooms and a studio. The floor plate is organized in a linear configuration with the living areas and studio located towards the north with full exposure to the landscape that surrounds the Seminary and the distant mountains to the East.
The lobby which is located on the second floor and preceded by a generous porte-cochère is shared by the two towers. On the first floor, there are a series of amenities including a multipurpose room, an indoor swimming pool, a gymnasium and a children’s playroom. Additional landscape elements enrich the surrounding exterior zones at ground level as well as the roof deck and public terraces. At the top of the building, a large open roof deck is subdivided into two separate private terraces for the penthouse units and a public terrace.
The interiors of Vitrvm will be complementary to the architectural concept incorporating a palette of rich materials with subtle textures and colors, solids and voids. Natural materials such stone and wood and earth tones of smooth and textured surfaces will contrast the light color palette of whites, grays and glass, all highlighted by bright art work and modern furniture. In its exceptional setting Vitrvm will become a new beacon in the vibrant urban setting of Bogotá, Colombia.
