The Rise of Tall and Super-Tall Buildings in Mexico. Challenges and Perspectives

As of this year's end, Mexico is set to boast 163 tall buildings and one super-tall structure, according to data from the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH). Tall buildings are defined as those standing between 50 and 300 meters in height, while super-tall structures surpass 300 to reach up to 600 meters.

Over the past decade, Mexico has witnessed an average of ten tall and super-tall buildings completed yearly. Looking ahead to 2026, projections indicate that Mexico will see at least 172 tall buildings and three super-tall ones.

In a landscape where a race to construct skyscrapers is evident, particularly between Mexico City and Nuevo Leon, which host 46% and 27% of these structures nationwide, a pertinent question emerges: What lies ahead for these buildings within Mexico's major urban centers?

The trend in Mexico is unmistakable, with buildings reaching increasingly impressive heights. Presently, the title of Mexico's tallest building, and indeed Latin America's, belongs to the T.Op Corporativo tower in Monterrey, soaring to 305 meters. However, this mixed-use development, classified as A+ by SiiLA and bearing LEED Gold certification, will soon be outstripped by the Rise Tower (475 meters) in Monterrey, set for completion in 2026.

In this context, it is crucial to note that over the last 67 years, the average size of tall and super-tall buildings in Mexico has steadily increased, particularly from 2010 onwards. While the average height for each decade between 1980 and 2010 increased from 13% to 20%, the growth observed between 2010 and 2020 amounted to 33%. Looking further into the future, encompassing buildings completed during 2020-2023 and planned projects until 2026, a significant increase of over 80% is expected, according to SiiLA analyzed CTBUH's data.

Skyscrapers embody power, economic prowess, and technological advancement in ever-evolving modern cities. As urban areas become denser and space becomes scarce, verticality emerges as an appealing solution for optimizing available surfaces. However, this expansion poses challenges regarding urban planning, infrastructure, sustainability, and environmental impact. Consequently, the destiny of these structures in Mexico's major cities hinges on successfully addressing these challenges, achieving a balance between vertical growth, market demands, sustainability, and quality of life.

What Challenges Lie Ahead?

The construction of high-rise and super-tall buildings brings a web of intricate challenges. First, improving local infrastructure, including transportation systems and water supply, will be needed to accommodate urban growth. Additionally, bureaucratic hurdles and the acquisition of permits can hinder projects, especially in seismic areas like Central Mexico, where structural integrity is paramount for earthquake resistance.

High building density also impacts accessibility and mobility, leading to heightened demand for transportation solutions and suitable public spaces. Finally, construction-related environmental concerns encompass visual impact, energy consumption, waste management, carbon footprint, and resource efficiency.

What Factors Will Shape the Development of Tall and Super-Tall Buildings in Mexico?

Several factors shape the landscape of tall and super-tall buildings in Mexico. Foremost, the demand for commercial and residential spaces in urban areas will be a driving force, either stimulating or limiting their construction. This dynamic is intrinsically linked to land availability, given that scarcity of space in urban regions catalyzes vertical project development to optimize land utilization. Additionally, since tall and super-tall buildings largely depend on the office sector, the long-term strengthening and resilience of this sector in the face of market changes are pivotal.

On the other hand, economic development, infrastructure investment, and engineering and construction technology advancements will also be indispensable in building cost-effective, secure, and feasible buildings. This necessitates a revision of urban regulations and local building codes, which stipulate maximum height and/or specific criteria for development and construction. In this regard, sustainable and intelligent vertical structure design will increasingly hold sway. Without these components, buildings may lack investment appeal.

As the number of tall and super-tall buildings continues to rise in Mexico, a trend apparent over the last 67 years, challenges relating to infrastructure, permits, security, mobility, and sustainability will surface. However, the key to their success and evolution lies in balancing the challenges and driving factors, such as growing urban demand and the robustness of the office sector.

To delve deeper into this topic and others, visit SiiLA REsource or contact us at contacto@siila.com.mx.