Chapter 4Gina Diez Barroso
1Grupo Diarq, Mexico City, Mexico

A beauty of a mission
In 2004, Gina Diez Barroso founded CENTRO, a university in Mexico City that focuses on the arts. This campus for 2,500 students is the culmination of Barroso’s vision for combining design and education in the heart of Mexico City, where the very buildings engage the student’s artistic sensibilities.
The campus itself is a garden, with a full third of the available land dedicated to beautiful landscapes and rooftop planting. This university is a physical manifestation of Barroso’s belief that art, business, and technology are essential pillars of success, both on and off the campus.
CENTRO is one of the first campuses in the world to meet the stringent environmental requirements to achieve LEED Platinum status. The primary buildings all intersect in the same way the primary disciplines taught at the university intersect. The buildings match the university’s philosophy.
The entire campus is a veritable feast for the eyes, including numerous works designed by prominent artists. Unlike many university campuses that are designed separately from the curriculum planning, CENTRO’s architecture is integral to every experience on campus.
Starting Out
I began my career at the age of 19, working in the editorial business. Seven years later, I decided to pursue my passion for real estate. I was frustrated ...