Winner 2021

Award for
Structures in Extreme Conditions

Project Description

The tallest office building in Colombia, rising over 200m (46 storeys). Remarkable integrated engineering solutions responded to a challenging and highly seismic site. Advanced seismic design techniques are used to minimise the building’s embodied carbon.

Judge’s comments

This ambitious project is the tallest office building in Colombia. The structure represents a technological advancement in the field of composite high-rise construction, combining state-of-the-art steel construction with local concrete practice to deliver innovation economically in a highly seismic site.

The seismic-resisting function was central to the building’s architecture and led to the development of a sophisticated highly ductile composite braced frame. Maximising ductility was a key factor in counteracting seismic effects and reducing material use. The bracing elements were designed to deform plastically during design level earthquake events. The project also leaves a positive legacy for local steelwork capability. By upskilling local labour to carry out erection and field welding of special seismic connections the local market now has the capability to deliver projects of a similar scale and specification without importing these elements.

A remarkable all-round combination of structural engineering design expertise, elegant detailing, and value in a very challenging location.

Project overview

Structural Designer

  • Arup / PYD (Engineer of Record)

Client Name

  • Grupo A, QBO

Location

  • Bogotá, Colombia

Architect

  • Rogers, Stirk, Harbour + Partners & El Equipo Mazzanti

Principal Contractor

  • ARPRO ARQUITECTOS INGENIEROS S.A. & EllisDon Construction Services Inc.

Key Contractors

  • Arup & POCH (Engineer of Record) – MEP Engineer

    AECOM – Quantity Surveyors 

    Supermetal Structures – Steel Contractor

    Permasteelisa Group – Cladding Contractor

    TECMO, HB – Steel Contractor 

    Peralta – Formwork 

Year Submitted

  • 2021