Bliss Buenos Aires, currently under development, is another clear example of this pursuit of sustainable design. An urban ecosystem was conceived where buildings do not generate a heat island effect. This is achieved because the water volume of an artificial lagoon combined with vegetation creates a temperature exchange that neutralizes heat emission. A microclimate is created that results in enormous energy savings, while also significantly improving the quality of life for its residents.

The firm is aware of the importance of environmental conservation for today and for future generations. MRA+A’s mission is to be part of sustainable development, which grows stronger and more necessary with each passing year.

There is a growing concern about the current environmental imbalance. MRA+A recognizes the environmental responsibility we have as a society and, consequently, as a firm. This is a commitment to the care and sustainable development of the environments around us. It is an unavoidable issue that the firm addresses with the seriousness and dedication it requires, in order to reduce the ecological impact generated.

MRA+A addresses this issue by considering not only the impact of the finished project but also the construction techniques used. The pursuit of sustainable designs in projects is approached from various angles. These include energy efficiency, reduced water consumption, the incorporation of vegetation, the mitigation of light pollution, and indoor air quality, among other aspects.

Many of MRA+A’s projects are audited against global standards, and many have been accredited by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) with LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) certification.

The Madero Office corporate building, for example, is a pioneer among sustainable buildings in Argentina, validated with LEED Silver certification.

The Libertador Business Center, on the other hand, has implemented numerous sustainable practices, such as prioritizing energy-efficient transportation, rainwater harvesting, selecting native vegetation with minimal maintenance requirements, providing a space for recyclable waste collection, and using regional materials, among others, which earned it LEED Gold certification.

To reduce excessive energy consumption, thermal insulation materials are used for walls and roofs, combined with airtight double-glazed systems featuring high-performance glass to prevent thermal bridges. This limits the entry of solar radiation and thermal transmittance without compromising the use of natural light. Highly efficient HVAC systems and energy-efficient lighting fixtures are also implemented. The firm addresses nighttime light pollution through the controlled placement of these fixtures to also prevent light emission into the night sky.

To control or reduce water consumption, stormwater management programs are used, low-water-use vegetation is planted, and efficient plumbing fixtures are selected.

Likewise, the goal is for projects to restore vegetation to the developed site, achieving a balance in land use. In other words, the aim is to incorporate square meters of covered green spaces into the buildings through absorbent surfaces.