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Torres de Satélite facts for kids

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Towers of Satelite
Native name
Spanish: Torres de Satélite
Torres de Satélite - 2.jpg
View of the Torres de Satélite in 2012
Location Ciudad Satélite, State of Mexico, Mexico
Elevation 30 to 52 m.
Built March 1958
Restored 2008
Architect Luis Barragán
Architectural style(s) Mathias Goeritz

The Torres de Satélite (which means "Satellite Towers") are a group of tall, colorful sculptures. You can find them in the Ciudad Satélite area of Naucalpan, State of Mexico, in Mexico. These towers were one of the first really big sculptures built in a city in Mexico. They were designed to be a special landmark for the new city.

Designing the Famous Towers

The idea for these towers started in 1957. Famous Mexican architect Luis Barragán helped plan them. Painter Jesús Reyes Ferreira and sculptor Mathias Goeritz also worked on the project.

At first, the plan was to build seven towers. The tallest one was going to be about 200 meters (650 feet) high. But there wasn't enough money for such a big project. So, the design had to change. In the end, only five towers were built. The tallest one is 52 meters (170 feet) high. The shortest one is 30 meters (98 feet) tall.

Choosing the Right Colors

Torres de Satélite en 1957
The towers with their original colors in 1957

Mathias Goeritz first wanted to paint all the towers in different shades of orange. But the builders and investors had other ideas. They put some pressure on him to change his mind.

Finally, they decided on different colors. One tower would be red, one blue, and one yellow. These are called the primary subtractive colors. The other two towers would be white. These bright colors make the towers stand out.

A Symbol for a New City

The Satélite Towers were finished in early March 1958. They became a symbol for the new and modern Ciudad Satélite. They represent the city's growth and modern design. Today, they are still a well-known landmark in Mexico.

See also

In Spanish: Torres de Satélite para niños

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