The Torre Patria-Hipódromo building appeared in a part of the metropolis that has not yet taken shape, which is now experiencing active growth. There is no approved road network development plan, despite the constantly growing traffic load, and the development connects single-family houses and residential towers. In this chaotic environment, on an inconveniently shaped site, Carlos Ferrater and his bureau partner Xavier Martí Gali tried to establish "urban order" with their building.
The formal solution of the building combines the ideas of Ferrather's permanent landmark - Ludwig Mies van der Rohe - with the motives of Brazilian modernism, first of all - the lattice facades of the residential area
"Park Ginli" designed by Lucio Costa in Rio de Janeiro.
The orthogonal grid of the outward Torre Patria-Hipódromo provides a coordinate system for the surrounding space. Its squares are reminiscent of tatami as the main module of traditional Japanese architecture, which is why architects speak of “vertical tatami” covering the building from the outside.
The lattice filling of the squares is made of glass fiber reinforced concrete. The central square opening in some of the modules plays a role in the seismic resistance of the building, and also acts as a visual "keystone" and a sun shield.
