wood-clad triangular observation tower pops up on mexico's calderitas boardwalk

a|911 revitalizes the Calderitas Boardwalk and public zones

a|911 undertakes the Malecón Calderitas project to address the growing need for public spaces in the area of Calderitas in México. The initiative creates a tourist route and introduces engaging recreational zones for the local community.

Aligned with the national territorial planning strategy led by SEDATU (Secretariat of Agrarian, Territorial, and Urban Development), this project envisions a comprehensive revitalization of the Calderitas Boardwalk. Situated approximately nine kilometers from the center of Chetumal city in the state of Quintana Roo, the endeavor aims to interlace diverse activities into a cohesive whole, guided by a central thematic thread. The gastronomic section of the site, recognized as the hub with the highest foot traffic, vehicular movement, and tourist activity along the boardwalk, integrates with the natural and artificial seascape utilizing a structured walkway system that allows pedestrians to traverse over the water safely.

The project’s integral aspects are mobility and accessibility enhancements. Prioritizing pedestrians and cyclists, the roadways are reconfigured to optimize safety and convenience. This includes converting traffic into a single direction, reducing the street to a single lane, expanding sidewalks and bike lanes, and harmonizing vehicular and pedestrian traffic at the same level, demarcated by bollards. These measures enhance site accessibility while introducing new intersections within the renovated space.

all images by Onnis Luque

seafront development fuses with the surrounding environment

The program extends to revitalizing gastronomic spaces situated along the natural beachfront, forming a new walkway adjacent to the natural pool area. The design incorporates restaurants, transforming the site into a vibrant gastronomic square along the boardwalk. Contemplative spaces facing the sea are placed in areas where the existing mangrove barrier was affected, thereby preserving the local vegetation. Among these, the ‘Plaza del Agua’ stands out, designed as a stone staircase that enables users to approach the water’s edge.

An iconic feature of the project is the 15-meter-high observation tower, designed to provide sunset views against the backdrop of the sea. The tower boasts a central concrete triangular column that opens up to the adjacent sides. A porous wooden skin covers the staircase, offering various viewpoints at different heights while ensuring safety.

The design by a|911 celebrates local materials such as treated zapote wood used for low-traffic areas such as docks, walkways, and platforms. Site-specific stone accentuates retaining walls, while concrete, infused with local minerals, mimics the natural stone of the area. The pavement design incorporates three distinct colors in ochre and sand shades. A natural palette of hues and textures enhances the site’s unique identity, while landscape design introduces accents and transition zones through perennial and deciduous species of medium and tall stature, each thoughtfully placed to complement their respective surroundings.

Malecón Calderitas project to address the growing need for public spaces in the area

the design creates a tourist route and introduces engaging recreational zones

the 15-meter-high observation tower provides sunset views against the backdrop of the sea

the plan interlaces diverse activities into a cohesive whole, guided by a central thematic thread

a structured walkway system allows pedestrians to traverse over the water safely

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prioritizing pedestrians and cyclists, the roadways are reconfigured to optimize safety

the expanded sidewalks and bike lanes are demarcated by wooden bollards

the pavement design incorporates three distinct colors in ochre and sand shades

concept drawing

masterplan

section drawing

project info:

name: Malecón Calderitas
architect: a|911 | @arq911

lead architects: Saidee Springall, José Castillo

design team: Judith Valerio, Óscar Ruiz, Elisa Jiménez, Rebeca Paulin, Brian Luna, Ernesto Lomelí

landscape design: Janisse Cruz

structure tower: Ing. Óscar Trejo

MEP: Ing. Gilberto Jocirin

lighting design: Light & Effect

client: SEDATU

area: 41,400 sqm

location: Calderitas, Chetumal, Quintana Roo, México

photography: Onnis Luque | @onnisluque_fotografia

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edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom