A new vision for San José, where urban density becomes an opportunity for connection, sustainability, and collective life.
Architecture
10,000 sqm
Barrio Vivo is a mixed-use residential proposal located in Barrio Dent, one of San José’s most dynamic and rapidly evolving neighborhoods. Conceived as an alternative to conventional vertical housing developments, the project explores how architecture can respond to urban growth while preserving the essential qualities that make a place feel like home: human connection, a sense of belonging, and a meaningful relationship with nature.
Situated near Barrio Escalante, an area recognized for its cultural, gastronomic, and urban activity, the project takes advantage of its strategic location to establish a stronger connection between residential life and the surrounding city. Rather than creating an isolated residential tower, Barrio Vivo proposes an integrated urban environment where housing, commercial activity, workplaces, and shared spaces coexist, contributing to the vitality of the neighborhood.
The architectural concept is organized around the idea of creating a living ecosystem within the city. The proposal combines residential levels with a commercial and public-oriented base, introducing spaces that encourage interaction between residents, visitors, and the surrounding community. A landscaped entrance plaza and integrated green areas establish a gradual transition between the street and the building, transforming the ground level into an active extension of the urban environment.
A living ecosystem designed to breathe, connect, and evolve with the city.
The residential component is organized vertically, with different apartment configurations explored to achieve an efficient relationship between private living spaces and shared circulation. Commercial and office spaces occupy the lower levels, while the residential floors rise above, creating a clear programmatic organization that responds to the site’s urban conditions.
Nature plays a central role in the project’s identity. Rather than functioning as a decorative addition, vegetation is envisioned as an integral part of the architectural experience, introducing greenery into the building and creating opportunities for visual connection, social interaction, and everyday contact with natural elements. This approach seeks to soften the experience of urban density and establish a more welcoming residential environment.
Beyond responding to the growing demand for housing, Barrio Vivo proposes a different way of understanding urban development in Costa Rica. Through the integration of community-oriented spaces, mixed-use programming, and nature-driven design, the project reimagines vertical living as a connected and evolving experience, where architecture contributes not only to the quality of individual homes but also to the collective life of the city.
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