Location: Atenas, Alajuela, Costa Rica
Year: 2017
Area: 17,200 m2

The Convention Center is an avant-garde project with completely flexible spaces that allow different configurations according to the user’s requirements in an environment of analogies that allows us to reflect on the history of creation and nature. It uses biblical symbols and natural elements to remind the user of God’s promises. In addition, it is a self-sufficient project, reusing water and producing its own energy, a strategy that goes hand in hand with our Costa Rica’s vision of becoming carbon neutral by 2021.

VOID’s commitment to sustainability will be noted at this facility. This Convention Center will be able to generate its own electrical energy through solar panels. Hot water will be obtained through the radiation of the sun in the form of heat, rainwater will be collected, while gray water will be treated naturally and reused both in the same system and for irrigation. The materials used will be mostly natural, local and 100% recyclable, while automated systems that save energy and lower consumption will be implemented throughout the entire project.

Today’s demands for technology have brought design to a higher standard. With the country’s largest movable wall installation, operators will be able to offer a wide range of space configurations, allowing the staging of diverse activities and events.

Visitors approach the building through a series of organically landscaped terraces adapted to the topography that reveal an architecture that offers moments of contemplation and emotion. A meandering lagoon that accompanies the route is noticeable. It’s purpose, apart from giving freshness to the environment in a natural way, goes further, since it collects and retains rainwater as a control mechanism for venting and reuse.

On the rock and through a series of staircases that in turn function as small amphitheatres, the CC building emerges as a symbolism of the construction on the firm rock of the Bible. To go up to the main level, you must go through a corridor whose cover is a mirror of water, this symbolizes baptism. As we cross the corridor, we emerge as new people to the great lobby, a triple-height open space where we can appreciate a veneered wall with the figure of the Star of David, two triangles that represent the intimate relationship that exists between God and humanity. Here we can see 17 columns. These represent the 17th day of the seventh month, the day that Noah’s ark reached Mount Arafat, reemerging after baptism in a high place, reminding us of the grace of God.