Mexico City - Inspired by the natural beauty of the Riviera Maya and rooted in rich local culture and Mexico heritage, the Vidanta Theater for Cirque du Soleil was announced as the 2015 Building Project of the Year by leading Mexico publisher Grupo Expansion and architecture and construction magazine Obras.

Built by Grupo Vidanta, a leading developer of resorts and tourism infrastructure in Mexico and Latin America, the Vidanta Theater houses Mexico's first resident Cirque du Soleil performance, JOYA.

The Building Project of the Year award recognizes the most important construction projects and professionals for innovation, development, engineering, technology use and economic impact; this is the 13th year Obras magazine and Grupo Expansion has presented the award.

A panel of expert judges selected the Vidanta Theater for Cirque du Soleil at Riviera Maya as the most important facility constructed in Mexico from a competitive applicant field of more than 1,000 building projects, citing the theater's social and economic impact, innovation in theater architecture and engineering and consideration of Mexican art and heritage.

Ivan Chavez, executive vice president of Grupo Vidanta, said, "It is an honor to receive this award for the Vidanta Theater. This project is a clear representation of Vidanta's ability to integrate architecture, innovation and art into all tourism experiences we build in Mexico. We are proud to help promote greater tourism for our country by showcasing the natural and architectural wealth available in Mexico."

The Vidanta Theater for Cirque du Soleil at Riviera Maya is the result of creativity and imagination from architects, designers and engineers, who blended the natural beauty of the surrounding jungle with the 2,500 square meters stately theater to create a dreamlike visitor experience.

The theater's shape resembles a grand palapa, surrounded by a beautiful cenote and crowned with palm leaves opening to the skies. Local woods were used for pergolas and decorative elements, while furniture and textures reflect Mexican design and help transport visitors into a magical setting befitting of a Cirque du Soleil performance. 600 seats are available in the Vidanta Theater, with distinct dining and champagne areas, two bars and two lounges.

Grupo Vidanta completed construction of the Vidanta Theater for Cirque du Soleil in only 18 months, adhering to high quality standards required for the safety of performing artists and the public. Development of the award-winning theater generated approximately 250 jobs during construction, and year-round operations provide permanent employment for 284 people. Since launching in November 2014, JOYA by Cirque du Soleil has operated at near capacity for each performance housed in the Vidanta Theater.

For more information on the Obras Work of the Year awards, visit ObrasWeb.mx. For more information on the Vidanta Theater for Cirque du Soleil in Riviera Maya, visit Vidanta.com.