Reinventing the Riviera

JC: In Mexico, particularly in tourism-focused areas like the Riviera Maya, development has been significantly shaped by investment and speculation. The Riviera Maya stretches from Cancún down to Tulum. So, it encompasses all the areas within that region. Specifically, you have places like Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and Cancún, but collectively, it's referred to as the Riviera Maya. Notably, Tulum's emergence as a globally recognised destination has attracted substantial investment. However, these speculative bubbles have begun to stabilise over the past year. The region appeals particularly to foreigners seeking a 'Plan B' post-COVID, drawn by Mexico's lenient tax laws and the ease of acquiring residency. With a modest investment and a straightforward strategy, one can secure residency and potentially a second passport in time. This has become increasingly important for global investors looking for such opportunities after the pandemic. This region has seen significant growth, starting from the days when Acapulco was the premier tourist destination. Subsequently, the development of Cancún, initiated by a past Mexican president, marked a turning point, transforming it into a major hub for tourism. This shift has catalysed a continued expansion and investment in the area. Notably, Cancún hosts the second biggest international airport in Mexico and receives more tourists than any other part of the country, significantly boosting local wealth through tourism. Recently, new government strategies have been introduced, including the Tren Maya, a train service launched last December, and a new international airport near Tulum. These developments have attracted major brands looking to capitalise on affordable land and labour availability, aiming to deliver high standards and profits in their tourism business models.

LC: Adding to Javier's mention of the Acapulco scene, it was once the golden goose of Mexico's tourism industry, attracting global icons like Frank Sinatra and serving as a honeymoon spot for John F. Kennedy and Jackie Kennedy. Acapulco was the epitome of glamour. However, it faced a decline due to corruption and mismanagement; funds were siphoned off without adequate reinvestment, leading to its deterioration. Now, Acapulco has transitioned from an international hotspot to primarily serving as a beach destination for residents of Mexico City. Javier highlighted a pivotal moment in Mexican tourism history: the idea to recreate the success of Acapulco elsewhere. President Miguel Alemán developed Acapulco into a tourist destination, while another former president of Mexico, Miguel de la Madrid, who owned extensive land in the Riviera Maya region, made Cancún. Cancún mirrored Acapulco’s initial growth, driven by its picturesque Caribbean beaches and the economic boost from the new airport. This rapid expansion was balanced with innovative design practices that enhanced both the aesthetic and functionality of the area, contributing positively to its tourism appeal.

JC: Having lived in the Riviera Maya for nearly 12 years, I've witnessed its development from its nascent stages, almost like watching a child grow up without limits, unrestrained and a bit spoiled. This unique growth dynamic has spurred numerous opportunities for architectural innovation. Our studio, for instance, flourished here by adapting to local resources, which were scarce in branded commercial products and construction materials. This necessity to breed creativity and new architectural techniques, proving crucial for both local and foreign architects who come to work in this area. However, despite its growth and potential, I don't believe this place will turn into the next Acapulco. The density and the available land simply don't support such a transformation. 

Sustainable visions of tech

LC: Our studio's journey began in Tulum, profoundly influencing our approach and identity. Although we’ve only been in Guadalajara for under two years, our foundational experiences in Tulum shaped our vision and methodology, as it did for other studios, too. This environment, marked by its political climate and developmental pace, encouraged a commitment to responsible design and practices. 

JC: Luis and I used to run a different studio before. It focused more on traditional and conservative methods in architecture. I believe that materials play a big role in shaping what we build and design. Over the past century, our designs have been influenced by the materials we use. If we change the materials, our design capabilities change too. When we started working on projects in Tulum, we noticed the increasing damage to the area. It made us rethink our approach. We felt a sense of responsibility to preserve the beauty of the place for future generations. This changed not just our goals as individuals but also how we run our company. We began searching for innovation and exploring sustainable materials and new approaches. The first material we came across at Arquitectura Mixta was bamboo. Gradually, we discovered other eco-friendly materials. Today, our design focuses more on finding solutions using sustainable materials. We understand that achieving a completely sustainable building is currently unrealistic. We still use materials like glass and steel, which may not be entirely environmentally friendly, but we strive to minimise their impact as much as possible and integrate them harmoniously into our design process.

LC: When we began, we were mainly using materials from the local area, such as chukum plaster. We focused on building apartments and houses in a traditional style. However, we started noticing changes and growth in the area. We didn't want to contribute to environmental degradation by using too much concrete. So, as Javier explained, that was the main reason that led us to founding Arquitectura Mixta. Bamboo is abundant in Mexico, although its use in architecture wasn't common at the time. Tulum provided the perfect opportunity to introduce this type of architecture to Mexico, and it proved to be very successful. We continued to evolve our architectural style, and then Mauricio joined us. He brings a background in technology and is passionate about innovative design systems and construction methods. His expertise in technology adds another dimension to our work, and we are passing through a new phase by integrating technology into our designs and respecting the principles of environmental responsibility. This new direction has broadened our horizons, allowing us to explore innovative shapes, forms, and materials while remaining committed to sustainability. 

MC: During my studies, I pursued my master's degree in advanced architecture at the Institute of Advanced Architecture of Catalonia in Barcelona. The programme focused heavily on technology and futuristic design processes aimed at creating buildings for the future. While we explored fascinating concepts like building on Mars or constructing remotely with robots, personally, as an architect, I didn't want my work to be solely focused on post-apocalyptic scenarios or such. I wanted to create something for the present, for what we have now. That's when I came across the work being done by Arquitectura Mixta, and it felt like the perfect fit. 

Centralised expansion

LC: In 2022, we opened a new office in Guadalajara. We wanted to centralise our operations a bit more because nowadays, you can work from anywhere in the world, and Guadalajara presents a lot of opportunities. Our clients are spread out everywhere. By centralising more, we could target other markets we're interested in, such as Los Cabos or Riviera Nayarit. We're currently working on a project in La Paz, Baja California Sur. Being closer to these areas gives our clients the comfort of having an office that is more accessible, considering that Tulum is located in the south of the country and might be far for some developers who focus more on the central north. By establishing our presence there and opening another practice here, we can expand into more areas we're interested in and grow our business. Besides opening this new branch, as I previously mentioned, we are introducing new techniques and technologies, with the key involvement of Mauricio Casian. 

MC: If we were to describe our approach, I would say it's best described as bio-parametric architecture with a focus on biomimicry. The "parametric" aspect refers to our use of computational processes to analyse and create the most efficient architecture for any given location. This is the foundation of our approach. The "biological" aspect stems from the areas and projects we're passionate about. We strive to create structures that blend seamlessly with the landscape, drawing inspiration from nature and wildlife. This is where our designs become part of the environment.

Biomimicry is all about understanding how things function in nature. For example, if we're designing something for the jungle, it's likely to take on shapes and forms that mimic those found in that environment. This is because natural shapes have evolved over millions of years to be efficient in their surroundings. Our architecture reflects this efficiency. Our design process involves deeply analysing the context of each project. Whether we're working in a city, the jungle, or the desert, we immerse ourselves in the surroundings to create designs that are not only visually striking but also functionally efficient.

Nature’s design solution

MC: In tropical areas, there's a rule about window coverage. Typically, all windows need to be covered at an angle of 45 degrees or more. This is because wind and rain are common in these regions. The general idea is that the overhangs of ceilings should extend a certain length. If you imagine a triangle from the wall to the end of the roof, down to the floor, that triangle needs to be more than 45 degrees. This provides a safe zone. A recent project still in development where we had to address these considerations in different ways is a spa we just completed the design in Costa Rica. The Corcovado Wilderness Lodge It's situated in a stunning location surrounded by natural parks, only accessible via a bay, and located atop a mountain in one of the last primary rainforests on the continent. We wanted to design a structure shaped like a perfect sphere. While it may sound simple, creating a sphere is actually quite complex. It involves dealing with double curvature, and if we want to incorporate views to the outside, adding the required overhangs becomes challenging on a spherical surface.

The solution we found was inspired by a small palm tree native to the region, specifically in Costa Rica. It's an endemic species called Geonoma. This palm tree is endangered, but indigenous communities in the area have long used its leaves for roofing because of its unique structure. Unlike other palm trees, these leaves have a complete shape with two tips that help drain water, along with a corrugated texture. Studies have shown that thatch structures made from these palm leaves can last up to three times longer than regular thatch structures due to how they manage water and debris from falling trees. We devised a roofing and wall system inspired by the shape of these palm leaves. Using just one material, a single tile, and computer programs, we could position the tiles around the spherical structure. This allowed for openings to facilitate airflow and account for factors like wind and nocturnal wildlife. For instance, at night, certain tiles at the lower part of the sphere need to be more closed to avoid disturbing the eyesight of nocturnal animals in the region. Despite its apparent simplicity, there were numerous factors we had to consider, all of which were resolved using computer programs.

Organic designs through tech

LC: Technology is crucial for the type of designs we create. When you see them built, they have a very organic feel. The bio-parametric approach that Mauricio mentioned involves a thorough exploration of technology, drawing inspiration from nature and translating it into our buildings. This relationship between technology and design is important. It has always been part of our process. We use programs for parametric design and draw inspiration from nature. But now, we're taking a deeper dive into it. We're using more tools that add another layer of depth to our projects. However, the foundation has always been the same. It starts with nature and then moves into technology when we design, model, and represent our ideas. Construction has also been part of our journey, contributing to the growth of the studio.

We began with one studio that focused on designing and constructing local yet traditional modern architecture. Then we transitioned into this new type of architecture, but with a twist, we also undertook the construction ourselves. Since the construction methods were new, they were also a part of the technological challenge. We had to figure out how to design, draw, assemble all these elements, and then build them. As our practice gained traction and inspired others in the area to embrace this new type of architecture, we found ourselves at the forefront of a movement. Eventually, we decided to step back from construction and focus more on design and integrating new technologies to rejuvenate our work.

Tailored architecture with tech twists

LC: Drawing from nature, weather, geography, and all the aspects we explained, each project must adhere to these principles. Additionally, I'd like to emphasise that we prefer not to repeat designs. Even if a client admires a structure and wants something similar, that form might not suit their location. Also, we value local craftsmanship. When we visit a place, we make an effort to learn about the local crafts relevant to the project. For example, if basket weaving is common, it might inspire the use of woven bamboo in a certain aspect of our design. Incorporating local knowledge, craftsmanship, and culture is crucial to our approach. We designed a house in Sonora, located in the desert. We considered the weather conditions, as well as the type of soil, which is rammed earth. Everything is truly unique. Our clients seek us out for designs they've seen, but we customise each project based on their needs and the specific location.

MC: When it comes to our clients, we've been fortunate to work with people who are interested in this type of knowledge and technology. Many of them, even if they're not experts in the field, appreciate the processes involved. Ultimately, this technology provides assurance that the design will work optimally, even if they don't fully understand how it works. For example, I suggest to a client that the algorithm used in Google Maps, which finds the closest route from one point to another, is also used in the design of their house's columns. This helps them grasp how our technology is just a tool to enhance our designs.

LC: When they see a building or design we've done, that's the outcome they're after. But there's another aspect to it. When they trust us and understand our vision for the project, they become even more amazed by the process. They see that it's not just about creating a visually pleasing structure with natural, sustainable materials. It's also about incorporating futuristic technology, like algorithms and shape studies, into the design.

Crafting sustainability

MC: In terms of exploring prototypes and similar aspects, we approach it on a project-by-project basis. For example, we have been working on a prototype of a transparent ceiling that we have tested for a house design. We often use prototypes to demonstrate that our designs are feasible, providing clients with assurance that their vision will work. Additionally, these prototypes serve as a guide for construction companies and partners, showing them how things should be executed or how they should appear in the final project.

LC: When we design and build structures, we aim for sustainability and minimal impact on the environment. Take bamboo buildings, for example. Despite their complex design, the construction process is quite simple. We use basic tools and skilled craftsmen who work with materials like wood and bamboo, which emit fewer pollutants. Many of our projects, such as hotels and multi-use spaces like yoga studios and temples, are designed to be open and airy, further reducing their environmental footprint. We also consider the post-construction impact, using technology to study how our buildings affect things like internal climate and energy usage. These considerations are integrated into our design process, where we utilise various tools to ensure our structures are both functional and eco-friendly.

MC: Through technological processes, we conduct rain and solar radiation studies to ensure the comfort of the interior environment. Before presenting our designs to clients, we integrate these studies into our internal work, adapting shapes as needed to create pleasant spaces. For instance, our studio uses a coding program to plan how water will drain from the roof. This helps us design coverings that efficiently channel and drain water. By incorporating such technology into our design process, we ensure effective water management in our structures.