“The basis of a great architectural project is a good understanding of building flow,” asserted Mexican architect Benjamín Romano during the talk he delivered as part of the Foros 2024 lecture series: Landing, organised by the Universitat Internacional de Catalunya (UIC Barcelona). The series, which began yesterday, will include six conference-colloquiums that are due to take place in Barcelona until 16 May.

Benjamín Romano shared details of the design and construction of the Reforma Tower, a skyscraper that has become a new landmark in Mexico City’s skyline. The building, an icon of innovation and leadership in the skyscraper industry, has resulted in significant energy and cost savings.

Santi Mercadé, CEO of Layetana Real Estate, provided a counterpoint to Romano’s argument, from the point of view of the real estate and development sector. Both lecturers analysed the necessary partnership between architecture and real estate development.

Architect and lecturer Felipe Pich-Aguilera was charged with presenting the Foros lecture series and the speakers. “Two years ago, we reflected on the problems facing architecture; now, in this edition, we will speak to architects and experts involved in projects that are an example of how to deal with these problems and illustrate the direction in which architecture is heading,” he explained. He introduced Benjamín Romano as a global architect, one who meets the challenges of his country’s reality, with a contribution that goes beyond archetypes.

Benjamín Romano discussed several of the projects undertaken by his studio, LBR&A Arquitectos, and the patterns his buildings follow. “The flow is like the body; each function must work perfectly,” he explained. An architect, he contended, must master the flow of the energy that is consumed, of the water, drainage, mechanics and movement of people and vehicles.

“Architecture and construction are evolving very quickly. We built the Reforma Tower in 2016, with significant energy savings. Today we are constructing zero-energy buildings. To reach this level, a good flow analysis is key.”

The Mexican architect also detailed the main strategies that enable him to meet energy reduction targets, such as passive solar protection, zero-loss drainage, solar panels, central service spaces, natural ventilation systems, etc.

The lecturers also engaged the attendees, addressing current and, at times, controversial topics. “Architecture creates cities for people’s enjoyment. This is possible through singular buildings. Hence the importance of creating realistic projects,” affirmed Santi Mercadé. With regard to the relationship between buildings and their surroundings, Romano and Mercadé discussed the effect a building may have on its surroundings and the impact of factors such as market price, financing and expected returns.