Caguas Police Headquarters

July 23, 2009


view of perforated interior courtyard - secondary entrance

Commissioned to Coleman-Davis Pagan architects, this building for the police department in Caguas has an elegant façade that intimidates when you drive by it. This was precisely the vision when it was conceived right after 9/11 and the firm was asked to create a structure that would communicate protection, invulnerability, and power. Its exposed concrete and massive front façade reminds us of a Brutalist building from the 1970’s. Unlike other brutalism examples, its interior and function is a mystery at a first glance. The windows are placed mysteriously in perpendicular planes throughout the periphery of the building and all interior courtyard spaces are hidden behind a massive wall facing the main avenue in the front.

wind/light tunnels - Front Facade view

Being already familiarized with this firm’s work, I was curious to see what kind of thermal comfort strategies were behind this building, since most of their work is pretty fresh and unique. After a short interview with firm's Principal, Jose Coleman and architect, Victor Nieto at their office in Ocean Park, I was pleased to discover that the building had several elements that made it interesting and sensible to its tropical context.

wind/light tunnels on roof


posterior view

The main entrance consists of an interior yard with small trees that welcomes the visitors into the building. This patio is enclosed by a tall wall that protects the space and channels the air across the front of the building, creating a great opportunity for natural ventilation.The roof structures featured in these photos act as wind and light tunnels connected to the office corridors and mechanical garages, making them bright and naturally ventilated. Also, the strategic placement of two interior courtyards at each side of the main office building that protect against direct sun exposure. The walls surrounding each courtyard are perforated with horizontal slats in the concrete providing ventilation, while at the same acting as protective barriers to the offices inside.

This building is not open to the public yet, but next time you drive by Caguas, don't forget to try to take a peak through its slats. Even if you can not look inside, there is still a lot to see on the outside of this unique structure.


view of interior gardens behind the front facade