At the top of the hill of Santiago de Querétaro, Mexico, is a 21-square-metre Espina P**ilion designed by Santiago Martínez and Emiliano Domínguez.
In addition to being an observation deck, the building is also a work of art that dialogues with the surrounding natural landscape. The architects cleverly used concrete plinths and lightweight, sloping roofs and metal frames for the spine of the structure to create a modern and serene viewing space. The architect only set up supports on one side to facilitate the view, which not only shows the uniqueness of the structure, but also strengthens the harmonious integration with the natural landscape.
The road to Espina P**ilion is extremely narrow, making it difficult to transport building materials. Therefore, the designer used on-site mixing concrete to pour the base, and then used steel to assemble the steel frame structure on site.
The west façade of Espina P**ilion is open, with gabion and rope balancing counterweights on the other side, which not only makes use of natural sources, but also reduces the impact on the environment, and allows the building to integrate into the local geographical and cultural landscape, effectively coexisting with the surrounding landscape, becoming a space that truly integrates with nature.
The Espina P**ilion offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the surrounding mountains. There are both the first rays of sunrise and the last afterglow of the sunset. While enriching the visual experience, it also strengthens the connection between the natural and the back of the person. People can get closer to nature and feel the infinite charm and vitality of the natural world.
Espina P**ilion is an example of architectural innovation and aesthetic pursuit, as well as a deep reflection on how to create a harmonious dialogue between man-made structures and the natural environment.