Glancing at the mountains of Monterrey, have you ever wondered how architecture can mirror nature? Here at CETEC, the Centro de Tecnología Avanzada para la Producción, that vision came to life. CETEC opened its doors in 1989 on the Monterrey campus. Its disruptive style immediately sparked admiration and questions. Why the inclination? What led architect Óscar Bulnes to create such a different work?
Óscar Bulnes designed CETEC. He was a renowned architect who left an indelible mark on Monterrey. He designed iconic structures like the Macroplaza and the Museo de Historia Mexicana. Bulnes passed away on October 5th, leaving behind a significant architectural legacy for the city and the Tec.
CETEC’s design reflects both cutting-edge technological advancements and educational innovation. It embodies the forward-thinking vision of Tec de Monterrey. The building comprises two parallelepipeds. These are polyhedra with six faces. All faces are parallel and equal in pairs. The towers lean at a 30-degree angle from the vertical. This inclination symbolizes a posture of movement. The building has 11 levels and stands 43 meters tall.
Bulnes aimed to integrate nature and architecture in this work. He deeply cherished the mountains of Monterrey. He believed the two main volumes of CETEC interacted with the Cerro de la Silla. Julieta de Jesús Cantú Delgado noted this interaction. She is an EXATEC architect and former professor.
Initially, CETEC housed the Electronic Calculation Center and the Center for Entrepreneur Development. It also featured computer rooms and research labs. In 1993, an annex was built to house the Center for Manufacturing Systems. Currently, CETEC houses the robotics lab. Its North Tower features the Innovaction Gym. This is the first innovation lab promoting high-specialty prototype development.
Bulnes believed a building’s design should align with its internal activities. The visible construction system and structure reflect innovation. CETEC reflects the Tec’s commitment to progress. In 1989, it marked a milestone with the first Internet connection in Latin America.
CETEC stands as an iconic building. It is significant not only on campus. It also stands out in the city’s landscape. It is a privilege for the Tec community to have such a landmark. The architecture provokes a certain break from traditional styles. CETEC reflects a vision of the future. It integrates technology, education, and nature. As you leave CETEC, consider Bulnes’s integration of Monterrey’s mountains into the building’s design.