Articles by Mónica Arellano

The city of San Miguel de Allende is located within the state of Guanajuato, in the central-northern region of Mexico, geographically bordering the states of Zacatecas, San Luis Potosí, Querétaro, Michoacán, and Jalisco. It covers an area of 43.6 hectares and is one of the most populated regions in its state. In 2008, it was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and is characterized by its baroque and Spanish architecture. It is part of the list of magical towns in Mexico. Additionally, in this city, you will find the Parish of San Miguel Arcángel, built with the pink quarry stone typical of the region.

Although the work of Mexican architect Luis Barragán is internationally recognized and studied due to his invaluable commitment to the architecture of his time and his context until just a couple of years ago, much of the built work and even the design processes represented a great mystery due to the lack of dissemination and documentation. However, currently, due to different efforts, it is possible to study the legacy of his architecture from a contemporary perspective that unveils the permanence of his gestures, laying the foundations for shaping the identity of what is now known worldwide as “Mexican architecture.”

The city of Mérida, the capital of the state of Yucatán in Mexico, has experienced a significant architectural boom in recent years due to emerging talent that has gained recognition through awards and biennials across the country. With its tropical climate, the architecture in this region responds to specific geographical conditions, making it one of the most visited destinations. Mérida is a city that was built upon the remnants of the Mayan city called T’Ho and is composed of a rich culture that combines different moments in history. As a result, the contemporary architecture of this region incorporates traditional elements such as vaults, lattices, and sustainable traditional finishes that are reinterpreted to create a new language that reflects the present moment in which they were constructed.

Sayulita is a small beach town in Nayarit, a state located in the western region of Mexico. It is a locality of about 3,390 inhabitants that has grown significantly in the last decade due to tourism, mainly from the United States and Canada, who are attracted by the landscapes and waves that have made it one of Mexico’s main surfing destinations.

Water and architecture are closely related in habitat design, encompassing both functional and aesthetic aspects. The best option is to take this into account from the beginning of the design process, as implementing appropriate technologies and systems will determine water consumption. Currently, it is our responsibility as professionals to think about how we can reduce and recycle water consumption within our own homes. There are various ways to address these needs, such as installing low-flow devices in faucets and showers, dual-flush toilets, and efficient irrigation systems for landscaping. In addition, rainwater collection and reuse systems can be implemented for irrigation or house cleaning, which contributes to its conservation.

Mezcal is a Mexican beverage that has gained great popularity in the last decade. Its history dates back to pre-Hispanic times when cultures consumed various drinks derived from the agave plant in different ways. During the pre-Columbian period, this plant was used for various purposes, ranging from food to the production of fibers and medicines. However, within the different processes, they discovered that they could ferment and distill the juice of the agave to obtain an alcoholic beverage, which they called “pulque”.

Research and design lab SPACE10 announces the winners from their first ever global design competition to reimagine home — using AI. With over 250 entries from around the world, a panel of 10 globally renowned architects, designers, AI artists, journalists, and creatives reviewed the submissions, and selected four winners.

Small homes are a common reality in many urban areas around the world for various reasons. These homes made up of small houses or compact apartments, have become increasingly popular due to the shortage of land and high housing prices in urban areas. Although their size may be limited, contemporary architecture practices focus on intelligent designs to maximize available space and offer comfort to their inhabitants. They often offer efficient layouts, with multifunctional areas that adapt to needs. In addition, some of them integrate innovative design and furniture solutions to optimize space and provide additional storage.

On Thursday, May 18, the Government of Mexico, through the Secretariat of Culture, celebrated the inauguration of the Mexican Pavilion at the 18th International Architecture Exhibition of the Venice Biennale 2023, with the proposal “Utopian Infrastructure: The Campesino Basketball Court“. The pavilion, which had an investment of 9,059,600 pesos, aims to invite dialogue and play to engage in conversations about the topics that concern the world of architecture in relation to various aspects of social, cultural, and political life.

Brutalism is an architectural style that originated in the 1950s and became popular in the 1960s. Its name comes from the French “béton brut,” which means “raw concrete,” as this material is one of the most characteristic elements of the style. Its main features are the apparent use of concrete, offering visuals where natural texture and tonality are the protagonists of the buildings. Brutalist buildings often have an austere and massive aesthetic, with simple and repetitive geometric shapes. The use of industrial materials and innovative construction techniques is also common in brutalism.