When it was being built, site conditions at Centro Banamex, the largest convention and exhibition center in Latin America, presented a unique set of problems to architects Edmonds International. According to principal Michael Edmonds, the site's special characteristics included a 'sloped, narrow and long' area of land. In addition to having a difficult shape, the site was located directly adjacent to a horse track. Making sure the massive structure would not spook the horses was a key concern.

In an unusual move, Edmonds met with horse specialists from the track's jockey association long before the project was scheduled to break ground. The group jointly reviewed and approved the structure; which measures more than 500 meters long and 35 meters high. The resulting design features 'two main facades, one facing the outside and the other as the main view of the race course,' says Edmonds. 'Centro Banamex is a modern dynamic project, which follows a minimalist architecture with international standards, and yet has a warm touch for the Latin American market'.

The exterior of the building features a blend of glass, stone, and metal, including a ventilated façade system by Hunter Douglas. By allowing free passage of air, the façade helps regulate inside air temperatures, yielding cost-savings benefits when cooling such large spaces. To fit the elongated shapes of the building, some panels were manufactured in custom shapes.

Inside, the center has a wide variety of Luxalon metal ceilings by Hunter Douglas, including plank ceilings, linear ceilings, and baffle and screen ceilings. All offer numerous color and design options, such as perforation for enhanced acoustical performance. Versatile carrier systems eased installation and allowed varying angles and spacing of panels. The systems' sustainability was also a consideration. Panels are composed of aluminum that contains over 70% recycled content. In addition, they are extremely durable, provide excellent resistance to moisture, and contain no VOCs.