Mérida, Mexico

“Bringing together our mission of translating human-centric values into beautiful design with Branson Developments’ commitment to sustainable and contextually driven communities, we are thrilled to have worked together on such an exciting project as Light Towers,” says Samuele Sordi, Chief Architect at Pininfarina.

“Arriving in Mérida at a pivotal moment in its growth, we look forward to leading the way with an example of how a multidisciplinary design approach can create a thoughtful balance between urban density and sprawl as the city continues to evolve.”

Global icon of Italian design and lifestyle, with offices in Italy, the United States, China, and Germany, Pininfarina breaks ground on their design of Light Towers for Branson Developments with a ceremony on the construction site in Mérida, Mexico.

The upcoming residential condominium complex represents the first branded residential vertical project in Mexico for Pininfarina, the legendary Italian design house.

Located in the vibrant metropolitan city of Mérida, along the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, Light Towers is designed to set a new standard of urban living and serve as a catalyst for real estate development in the region, known to be one of the safest places to live in the Americas.

The official launch took place through a special event held at the site of the construction, which saw the presence of Institutions Representatives such as the Governor of Yucatán Mauricio Vila Dosal, and the Mayor of Mérida Renán Barrera Concha.

With this new project, Pininfarina strongly affirms its further expansion and brand enhancement in the high-end real estate market over the Americas, thanks to an extended appreciation for the refined design and iconic details of each creation of
the legendary design house, capable of creating unparalleled projects and driving innovation.

Inspired by Mérida’s rich history, culture, and culinary scene, the Light Towers pave the way for the future of design and development in the fast-growing city, inspired by the same transgenerational spirit that guided Pininfarina’s philosophy for the project’s design concept.

The structure consists of two distinct buildings rising 17 and 18 floors high, connected by a five-story base to form a “V” shape.

The heart of Pininfarina’s concept is a green valley that fills the open-air core of the vertical community and extends upward from the base of the structure, recalling the development of Mexican roots and symbolizing the path forward; a nod to new ideas, fresh perspectives, and hope for future generations.

“Light Towers Design by Pininfarina is located in a vibrant and beautiful area of Mérida. We at Branson Developments are very excited to have partnered with Pininfarina to develop a residential project that reflects the future of residential living in our city while honoring our heritage. We are extremely proud to have built this iconic landmark in Yucatan,” says Juan Soto, Projects Director of Branson Developments.

Deeply rooted in a commitment to wellness, the green valley consists of strategically stacked private terraces, designed to blur the boundaries between the built environment and nature, to curate a genuine connection between residents and the outdoors.

Each of the 121 modular condominiums at Light Towers–ranging from two and three-bedroom units to four and five-bedroom penthouses–has its own terrace designed to act as an extension of the living room and emphasize the idea of living a greener life.

These “skyvillas” integrate nature as a central element of the lifestyle: depending on the placement around the biophilic core, between 25% and 75% of the square meters per unit is allocated to this greenspace.

Further embracing the “green lifestyle” concept, spaces for residents include a second-floor deck designed to foster a sense of community by encouraging residents to gather outdoors, complete with an al fresco gathering and co-working space and swimming pool, as well as over 3,000 square feet of space dedicated specifically to physical well-being, including a spa, gym, and children’s play area.

Social activities are also encouraged on the seventh and eighth floors, where future residents will find the rentable party and cinema rooms, a shared kitchen space, and two bars–one designed for late-night cocktails and the other for fresh juices and teas to boost energy and contribute to healthy wellbeing.

Located on either side of a shared terrace, the two venues are intended to further represent Pininfarina’s concept of Mexico’s two juxtaposing souls.

The interiors use a bright and colorful palette that draws on local environmental hues and shades reminiscent of cultural traditions.

Regionally sourced materials, such as plaster and concrete, are used to reduce the environmental impact of construction and support the local economy.

This vision for Light Towers is underscored by its strategic positioning north of the city center, not far from the forthcoming U.S. consulate building, in what is recognized as the second safest city in the Americas.

Light Towers boasts walking distances to shopping centers, cinemas, schools, universities, restaurants, supermarkets, and easy access to Progreso beach in Yucatan.

Further considerations for the community include the building’s foundation: the base of Light Towers’ two-tower composition is entirely permeable to both the surrounding neighborhood and the environment.

This open and welcoming streetscape energy is intended to flow through the building’s main lobby to its naturally ventilated parking garage, which also helps fortify the infrastructure from potential natural weather hazards.

Project: Light Towers
Architects: Pininfarina S.p.A.
Chief Architect: Samuele Sordi
Developer: Branson Developments
Images Courtesy of the Architects