Built Expressions Bangalore :: Yoopanama, Panama City

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Yoopanama, Panama City

A Prosperous Venture of Panama City

Yoopanama offers a unique experience to its dwellers with its exquisite ambience. Ar. David Bettis and Ar. Teofilo Tarazi, founders of Bettis Tarazi Arquitectos, who designed the Yoopanama share with Built Expressions that- "it took eight years to come out with the first draft, that involved a lot of hard work where different specialties pros from many nationalities brought together all their talent to the building"

Panama City, the capital and the largest city of the Republic of Panama located at the Pacific entrance of the Panama Canal, in the province of Panama, boasts of 'Yoopanama', a luxury residential tower. It is comprised of condominiums with spectacular waterfront views and/or the city.And it is conveniently located within walking distance of city's main recreation centers and business district.

Designed by David Bettis and Teofilo Tarazi, founders of Panamanian firm-Bettis Tarazi Arquitectos and interiors designed by the world renowned firm of YOO by Philippe Starck, Yoopanama is the most ambitious real estate project that has been built in Panama. With 78 levels, it is one of the tallest buildings in Central America and definitely one of the most luxurious and sophisticated in the world. From the size of this tower is the trust that their promoters have demonstrated in Panama.

A Grand Project

According to the people of Panama City, Yoopanama is considered as one of the most epical projects of the city built to boost its skyline. When asked about this Ar. David Bettis stated, "Yoopanama is considered among Panama's residential projects, one of the most ambitious, for its dimensions and luxurious finishes, clearly distinguished by its architecture and interior design. Eight years had passed since the first draft, hard work where different specialties pros from many nationalities brought together all their talent to the building. A mix of materials, furniture, and exclusive accessories from Europe, Asia, America, and Indonesia were made especially for the project. Height is highlighted in the tower architectural design, with a total of 246.73 m (809.48 ft.) it’s considered the sixth tallest building in Central America by Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH)”.

Architectural Concept

Since the project was an ambitious one, drafting the design for the towers was a major challenge to the architects. "Yoopanama is composed of two towers called Arts and Yoo; it offers 2 or 1 bedroom loft type apartments and penthouses, both sea view and Panama City view. The project consists of 110,000 sqm construction area and the two towers called Arts and Yoo, each separated by service aisle. "Arts", the first tower, comprehend of 234 condominiums and 56 levels, all these apartments face Balboa Avenue. While Yoo tower present 52 levels and 275 condominiums, also presents apartments with the bay and the city views. Proportions were a basic element in order to divide the project in two towers. The plan distributed 551 apartments in both towers, with more than 50 level heights for residential purpose. This allowed a slimness project view and not it´s density" says Ar. Teofilo Tarazi.

Revolutionized Interior Design

Every structure's external appearance adds more credit and beauty to the artistic works of the architect, but in Yoopanama project it is the interior design which created a new style statement in the city. "Yoopanama had totally changed Panama´s residential building concept ever built locally. Its amenities exceed expectations, granting comfort, entertainment, relax, wellness, and exclusivity for owners and visitors as well. Yoo is a place to meet and to enjoy each ambience it offers, where worldwide materials, furniture, and accessories were mixed. Yoopanama is an emotional experience and concept building, distributed into each social area design. This vision contemplates unifying people spaces, create communal sense, and seek life quality improvement making people happy while subtracting their individuality to become part of the community" adds Ar. David.

"Yoo inspired by Philippe Starck concept is "games", cleverly reflected on the amenities and social areas. Color combinations, a giant wood horse, a seesaw for adults, a swing, and French children tales phrases carpet are some of the exuberant lobby elements. Magical decoration ambience for residents, in which they can please at a spectacular pool, cabins, high tech gym, complete spa, kid’s area, and two squash courts", shares Ar. Teofilo.

Crystal Facade

Instead of following the same style in designing the façade, the architects of Yoopanama project decided to confer a unique touch to the facade by embedding different colors into it. "The crystals color contrast with hints of blue, yellow and gray adorns the facade and are complemented by the green of the plant walls or "green screen". The design of the balconies creates a feeling of waves, which is also a prominent feature that emulates the beautiful view of the bay offered by the project. Stunning golden columns decorate the facade just as trunks in a forest", explains Ar.David.

Diverse Amenities

Among the amenities that Yoopanama offers we found double height lobby with elegant valet parking, Luxurious two level lobby and majestic valet parking. Exclusive sea front view entertainment area, including lounge, billiard, and library, concierge service, 24 hours valet parking service, mail and package reception, cleaning service, laundry service, conference and events hall, Wide double height party halls, four conference and event halls, business center, three level Panama Bay view park,300 sqmdifferent level pools, 60 sqm kids pool, private wood finished pool side cabins, bush landscape, diverse plant gardens, gym, spa, Jacuzzi, steam bath, and sauna and two professional squash courts.

Unique Nature

Yoopanama is unique for its creative and novelty mix, design concept, high level of luxury, sophistication, and the towers magnitude height. All while being just a few steps from Panama City financial center, cultural and recreation centers. John Hitchcox, Yoo by Starck co-founder mentions, "Yoopanama's creation process together with Habitats Developments and investors had been amazingly gratifying. Mutually, we had created a new Panama City horizon icon with a design contributing a lifestyle never seen before at Panama".

The successful completion of the project after a long duration run portrays the effort and durable work carried out by the men to attain a desired success. Thus, the Yoopanama structure is a new emblem of prosperity and luck to the people of Panama City.

EOM

We received authenticated information from Bettis Tarazi Arquitectos with regard to Yoopanama project for publication.

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Bettis Tarazi Arquitectos (BT Arquitectos) is a design firm that specializes in architecture, interior design and urban planning. With a current staff of over 40 people it has been working on countless different projects in Panama City as well as international architecture contests. BT’s architecture is influenced by contemporary tendencies, with designs that reflect a teamwork that results from collaboration with local as well as international professionals.

The firm operates since 1999 and to date is the only architecture firm in Panama accredited with Quality Management System certification in accordance with ISO 9001:2008 since 2009. Among his most notable projects are: Sortis Hotel, Casino and Convention Center, Yoopanama on Balboa Avenue, Q tower, Office One, Titan Metromall, Harmony and Plaza Durex among others.

Both architects are graduates of the School of Architecture and Design in Latin America and the Caribbean (Isthmus). They have 13 years of experience as a designer and Project Managers, Bettis specializing in Architectural Designs and Tarazi in Interior Designs. Both architects have participated in international conferences in Texas, Los Angeles, Dubai and Macau. Bettis has been invited several times as a teacher and sustaining Jury thesis at the University Isthmus.

The essence of its many architectural projects and interior designs is to improve the environment and quality of life. Thus, the Bettis Tarazi projects are characterized by international quality standards and contemporary styles that stand out for their function and form.