GP Talks: Carlos Lecueder and Martín Gómez Platero Discuss Urbanism and Real Estate Development

Reading time: 6 minutes.

Publication date: 15/11/2024

Cities are dynamic entities that continuously grow, evolve, and transform. In the inaugural episode of GP Talks, the video podcast by Gómez Platero Architecture and Urbanism, Carlos Lecueder, director of Estudio Lecueder, and Martín Gómez Platero, director of Gómez Platero Architecture and Urbanism, shared their insights on the challenges of architecture and the impact of projects on urban development.

Martín Gómez Platero opened the discussion by reflecting on the role of cities in human life and their potential as platforms for growth:

"Humans, by nature, seek connection with others. Cities are our platform for development, and their design should enhance the quality of social interactions. The most inspiring cities are those where pedestrians, not cars, take center stage."

Carlos Lecueder emphasized the importance of balancing the interests of developers with those of the city:

"Every project must benefit the developer—without that, there’s no project. But the city must also benefit. High-quality public spaces are essential for people to feel comfortable and enjoy meaningful experiences."

Both agreed on the historical importance of public spaces. Martín noted:

"From the Greek Agora to modern plazas, public spaces have always been the heart of social life. They are where people meet, interact, and build community."

Carlos added his perspective as a developer:

"We’ve learned that public spaces are key to creating places where people feel alive. Whether it’s a shopping mall, an office building, or a recreational area, the quality of the experience is what truly matters."

Balancing Creativity and Feasibility

A key theme of the episode was the challenge of balancing architectural creativity with economic feasibility. Martín explained:

"If we only deliver what’s requested, we’re not unlocking our full potential as architects. Our role is to look beyond and propose solutions that address people’s real needs."

Carlos shared an example from Nuevo Centro Shopping, where residential towers were added above the mall as an innovative solution:

"The key is constant dialogue. Martín and his team always aim to be part of the solution, not the problem. But it’s also crucial to balance the best design with economic feasibility—without feasibility, there’s no project."

Both also discussed the role of the market in identifying opportunities and needs. Carlos explained:

"The market drives real estate development. If there’s no market, projects don’t happen. But it’s equally important to anticipate people’s desires and adapt to their needs as they emerge."

Martín highlighted how public policies can shape the market, citing examples like the promoted housing law, which directed development to underutilized areas, and tax incentives that revitalized heritage zones. Both agreed that mobility and sustainability are critical priorities for the present and future.

Collaboration as a Key to Success

The importance of collaboration between developers and architects was another central topic. Carlos stated:

"The architect is a fundamental strategic partner. From day one, we work together to balance profitability with project quality."

Martín added:

"Our goal isn’t to stand out as architects but to align with the client’s business plan. At the same time, we aim for the city to benefit, because when the city wins, the project succeeds as well."

The Shift Toward Mixed-Use Developments

Carlos Lecueder explained how combining different uses within a single project has become an innovative solution to ensure economic feasibility and enhance user experiences. He referenced the Tres Cruces bus terminal, where a shopping mall was incorporated to finance the project, setting a trend for mixed-use developments:

"Today, a shopping mall can’t compete solely with the internet or other malls. You need to integrate entertainment, housing, offices, and other uses to increase foot traffic."

Martín agreed, noting that mixed-use developments are the future of urban growth:

"Different uses generate diverse flows of people that complement each other, improving both business outcomes and quality of life in cities."

The episode concluded with a reflection on the importance of collaboration, innovation, and long-term vision in creating more human and sustainable cities. Carlos closed with a thought on opportunities:

"In life, it’s not just about having ideas but knowing how to seize them when they come your way."

Discover more about GP Talks here.