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Introducing... the Earth-Scraper!

date added: 27.10.2011

Architects have designed an incredible 65-storey 'earth-scraper' which plunges 300 metres below ground.

The stunning upside down pyramid in the middle of Mexico City is designed to get around height limits on new buildings in the capital.

The subterranean building will have 10 storeys each for homes, shops and a museum, as well as 35 storeys for offices.

Deep: The 65-storey 'earth-scraper' is set to plunge 300m into the ground beneath Mexico City

Epic scale: The enormous complex is intended to get round the city's planning laws, which state that buildings can be no more than eight storeys high

Landmark: The earth-scraper would be located in the city's main square, and topped with an enormous Mexican flag

A glass floor covers the massive 240m x 240m hole in the city's main square to filter in natural light from the world above.

The design has been crowned with a Mexican flag.

Esteban Suarez, from architecture firm BNKR Arquitectura, said the building would also house a new cultural centre.

Scary: The core is all made of glass to ensure that all parts of the building receive natural sunlight from the world outside

Relaxing: Designers expect the public areas of the building to become a popular destination for those wishing to escape the bustle of the city

Heritage: The earth-scraper is expected to contain a museum and cultural centre which will explore the history of Mexico and its pyramids

He said: 'New infrastructure, office, retail and living space are required in the city but no empty plots are available.

'Federal and local laws prohibit demolishing historic buildings and even if this was so, height regulations limit new structures to eight storeys.

'The city's historic centre is in desperate need of a makeover but we have nowhere to put it, this means the only way to go is down.'

He added: 'The Earthscraper preserves the iconic presence of the city square and the existing hierarchy of the buildings that surround it.

'It is an inverted pyramid with a central void to allow all habitable spaces to enjoy natural lighting and ventilation.

'It will also allow the numerous activities that take place on the city square year round such as concerts, open-air exhibitions and military parades to go ahead.'

Unobtrusive: One advantage of the unusual structure is that it would create space in the centre of Mexico City, which is full of historic buildings which cannot be demolished

Green: The interior of the building is supposed to look natural and welcoming

When the Spanish arrived in America and ultimately conquered the Aztecs, they erected Christian churches on top of the pyramids.

Eventually their whole colonial city was built over the Aztec one. In the 20th century, many colonial buildings were demolished and modern structures raised on the existing historic foundations.

Esteban added: 'The Earthscraper digs down through the layers of cities to uncover our roots.'

Source: www.dailymail.co.uk/news

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