Lyra

Focused on people and the environment

Lyra is a mixed-use development that aims to set a precedent in the city. It is the first to seek LEED Neighborhood and WELL certification, and its design involved a group of high-level specialists and consultants in various disciplines. Urban Design was managed by Gensler, Landscaping and Urban Image by HARARI LANDSCAPE, Architecture by Perkins&Will, Urban Mobility, Activation, and Placemaking by HIVE NEW YORK, and LEED and WELL Consulting by THREE, along with lighting, among others.

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The overall design concept is inspired by the natural surroundings of the site. Lyra is located in the last natural space at the foothills of Cerro de las Mitras, with dense vegetation of native species and natural runoff from the hill.


The design aimed to minimize the alteration of the natural land levels and preserve the natural runoff and local species, including yuccas.  The pavement design reflects the original topography of the land in organic patterns. The incorporation of local stone and rocks, combined with contemporary materials, gives Lyra a unique language.


Given the particular shape of the land, a slender rectangle with a reduced frontage towards the main avenues, it has been transformed into a "destination" with its own internal life and a strong, distinct identity. The design is organized from south to north into three major zones or themes: the university zone, the large parks zone, and the residential zone. 


An interconnected park system is the key differentiating element, providing a green, tree-lined environment along the central axis, being the heart and soul of the project. Not only is the urban forest preserved with its environmental services, but sustainable rainwater harvesting and management are also promoted, with an irrigation system based on treated water on-site. Wide tree-lined sidewalks and bike lanes facilitate pedestrian and bicycle mobility throughout the development. Additionally, an important ravine on the western edge is preserved, and water from other developments at higher elevations is managed.

Keywords

Innovation / Water Efficiency / Sustainable / Sociability

Awards

America Property Awards Best Mixed-Use Project / International Property Awards Best Sustainable Residential Project / LADI Triple Impact Sustainable Project

Scope

Urban Image / Landscape Architecture

Location

Monterrey, Mexico

Details

Size: 201,713 m2
Year: 2022

Innovative elements in the landscape

Preservation of nature

Natural and Wild Style

As the public space transitions in programs and scale from the commercial zone in the south to the residential zone in the north, the design and character of the landscape design also change from a more urban and orderly character, where pavements and plazas may predominate, to a more natural and wild style towards the linear parks of the streams and the residential and university areas, where the goal is to preserve nature.

Storm  Water Management  Blue System

ecological value of the land

The project restores the ecological value of the land, creating a green and tree-lined environment that highlights the presence of the river and fosters a connection with nature. Lítica promises to be not only an architectural landmark but also a model of responsible and sustainable urban development, integrating nature, community, and technology in a synergy that benefits all.

Softscape Green System

hydrology

The development of the property will heavily impact the site's hydrology. Keeping in mind that we need to retain moisture and rainwater and should not contribute water to downstream developments, a series of "green infrastructure" strategies are proposed to manage stormwater runoff, minimize flooding, recharge aquifers, a

Process

HLA began participating in the project from its early stages, creating the entire urban image of the development and designing the system of parks, sidewalks, and plazas.

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The design included selecting materials for pavements and urban furniture, choosing trees and plant species, designing water elements, playgrounds, resting areas, outdoor amphitheaters, urban art, etc., all following the principles of LEED and WELL guidelines, which set minimum standards for sustainability, rainwater management, energy consumption, heat island reduction, irrigation water use, native species usage, light pollution control, and promoting sustainable mobility, among others.