Reviving roots, reshaping futures

OF: The shift in Mexico's cultural and economic landscape over the past years has been influenced by several factors, primarily revolving around culture and economic structure. In the 2000s and 2010s, there was a notable paradigm shift. Mexico transitioned from being perceived as the land of mariachi, tequila, and cacti to embracing a new identity centred around mezcal, artisanal crafts, and ancient practices. This transformation coincided with a global shift in mindset, particularly in many developed countries where development was either stagnating or slowing down significantly. As Mexico began to promote these values and reaffirm its cultural identity, it not only embraced its rich heritage but also positioned itself in a new light on the global stage. 

ZB: Many individuals began settling and building here, which opened up numerous opportunities for us architects. One particularly intriguing aspect is the focus on Yucatan in the peninsula. Historically and geographically, the peninsula developed its own distinct identity, separate from the traditional Mexican stereotypes like the mariachi. Here, the emphasis is on local values and seizing this new opportunity for growth and development. It's rather amusing because, as a peninsula, we were the initial point of conquest. Yet, we seemed to experience fewer movements or changes compared to the central regions of the country. Mexico City, with its vast size and population density, along with cities like Guadalajara and Monterrey in the north, have experienced development heavily influenced by Northern culture. However, here in the Yucatan, we have remained steadfastly loyal to our own unique characteristics. Drawing from the experiences of what has not succeeded in Mexico City and in other global contexts, as an architecture studio are acutely aware of the need to approach our development differently, perhaps with greater mindfulness. This responsibility underscores the importance of implementing strategies that diverge from those that have proven ineffective elsewhere.

OF: There's a distinct mindset among us, especially among those of us from the peninsula, which includes Campeche, Yucatan, and Quintana Roo. We treasure old traditions, like having ground-centred houses with spacious yards filled with fruit trees. We enjoy eating seasonal produce and value the tradition of sitting on our porches in the afternoon, feeling the cool breeze. This slow-paced lifestyle sets us apart from the fast-paced, highly professional mindset of the country's central regions. In places like Mexico City, there's hardly any opportunity to enjoy such simple pleasures.

Ethical development, thriving spaces

OF: This area is currently undergoing rapid growth and development. Currently, we're seeing a significant increase in the number of vehicles and the expansion of urban areas. It's quite concerning. We have a map that illustrates how this urban sprawl has progressed, and it's staggering. Personally, we try to tackle this issue with a positive mindset, believing that we can make a difference. Professionally, we also strive to do our best, considering the context we're in and our role as architects. We understand that we can inadvertently contribute to gentrification. So, as architects, we face the challenge of accepting projects while also advocating for a more sustainable and slower-paced approach to development, without halting growth entirely but moderating its speed.

ZB: We aim not just to halt or proceed but also to shift some of the underlying values that drive action, particularly as they predominantly revolve around economic factors. Sometimes, we endeavour to explain that economic gain isn't the sole consideration and that other factors, such as overall well-being, are equally crucial for economic prosperity. While we acknowledge that it's not always solely about money, many individuals approach us with a focus on economic matters. We pose the question: “What's your priority: Wealth or well-being?”. It's possible to achieve both, but it requires prioritising well-being over solely maximising profits. Therefore, we often find ourselves in the position of persuading people to reconsider their perspectives, especially when they come with a sense of urgency. In our studio, we conduct thorough analyses of the projects we undertake.

Sometimes, an interesting thought arises. I believe that when architects share similar values with their clients, it often leads to a successful partnership. However, if our values and lifestyle preferences differ significantly from those of our clients, it might not be the best match. While certain projects may offer rapid financial gains, they may not align with our personal ethos. So, my question is: “Should architects attempt to guide their clients away from such projects if they believe they are not in the clients' best interests?”.

OF: There's a possibility they might accept our proposal, but there's also the chance they'll seek out alternative, potentially more lucrative offers elsewhere. When faced with such situations, we're often caught in a dilemma. We recognise that we can't reject all these projects outright, as there may be opportunities to influence positive change from within. So, we delve into understanding why certain things are happening and brainstorm ways to make them better or find a compromise. It's not always straightforward, but we're deeply passionate about seeking solutions. We've engaged in many thought-provoking discussions with clients who are on the fence about certain aspects. Sometimes, these discussions can stretch on for hours, especially when debating topics like how much space should be utilised on their property. From our perspective, it's not always about maximising space at any cost. We emphasise other factors, like the quality of the building and overall quality of life. It's a challenging process, but it's also incredibly rewarding.

Strategic innovation with timeless values

OF: As our practice matures and we develop professionally, we're becoming less rigid in our approach. When someone approaches us with an idea, such as building a tower of apartments, we're more open to exploring it. However, we also try to gently convey the challenges involved. We acknowledge that while it may be possible to construct such a tower, there are considerations to keep in mind. We view each project as an opportunity to experiment and innovate, not necessarily in terms of size, but in terms of strategy and implementation. We believe in working together to achieve our goals. This mindset is the first step in managing such commissions. It's about embracing the Yucatan ethos, which encourages taking time to reflect and slowing down the pace. This approach may also reflect a broader perspective on life in general.

ZB: When we begin discussing a project, one of the first questions we ask is about the client's timeline. This helps us gauge their expectations, as some clients may want their project completed in a very short timeframe, which may not be realistic. Another important consideration for us is the level of experimentation allowed by the project. For example, while some clients may request a standard apartment building with parking and a rooftop for events, we're more interested in projects that offer opportunities for innovation. For instance, we may propose incorporating nature or greenery into the design of the apartment building. We're passionate about collaborating with clients to create something unique that benefits the local community, whether it's for houses or larger developments. Also, when we're given a project that involves preserving a certain context, such as working within a natural or historical setting, we feel a strong sense of responsibility to honour that context. Whether it's in the heart of the city or in a more rural area, if there's an opportunity to preserve the natural landscape or historical significance, we're eager to do so. When such projects come our way, we're enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute positively to the environment or heritage.

Reviving history, redefining homes

OF: I'd like to highlight one project in particular that was recently completed: Casa Dolores. This house stands out for its urban design, situated in a well-established area within the city. This project isn't exactly urban; it's situated in an area that's somewhat like a neighbourhood, positioned between avenues. It's like an oasis in the middle of the city. It's crucial to emphasise this project because when the client came to us, she wanted to renovate the house to add more rooms while keeping its original design intact. We were really intrigued by this concept and opted for a more comprehensive approach to the renovation. We looked at the project and realised what we loved about the area was the street and the surrounding context, including how the houses were arranged. We saw the house as a sort of acupuncture point, and we decided to restore the front part of the house, the main facade, to its original state. Then, we made necessary changes to the back of the house in a way that clearly distinguished it from the original structure. Our aim was to preserve the essence of the neighbourhood. When you walk down that street, you can feel the character of the houses and the community spirit. We wanted to maintain that essence, so we reverted the house to its original form. Hopefully, this will inspire others to do the same, enriching the life of the street. It's a beautiful area with lots of trees and a unique atmosphere. 

ZB: The main part of the house was a simple box-shaped volume, typical of buildings from the 1920s. Despite its simplicity, it had beautiful proportions and was set back from the street. We wanted to honour this original design, so we preserved the main volume and recreated the garden that was originally in the front. For the new addition, we used different elements, like slabs, to create a lighter volume on top. This contrasted with the original building and was a key aspect of our design strategy. Additionally, we selected materials and shapes that echoed the style of the era when the house was originally built, ensuring a cohesive look and feel throughout the property.

OF: The client was highly supportive of the solutions we implemented, which contributed greatly to the success of the project. She provided valuable input and even showed us the original facade, demonstrating a clear understanding of the project's goals and history. She made a genuine effort to integrate into the community and engage with the project. She understood the importance of embracing the Yucatecan way of life, especially since she's actually living there. She was enthusiastic about immersing herself in the local culture and lifestyle, which was evident in her active participation and support throughout the project.

From furniture to foundations

OF: Regarding how the office started, the story is quite brief. We met while working with Salvador Reyes and Josefina Larrain and realised that we had many similarities in our approach to architecture. As I began working on my final university project, I started contemplating my professional future and frequently reached out to Zaida to discuss ideas. Forming a team felt very natural for us. When we started, we had no clients and no team; it was just the two of us. We didn't have an office or any resources. We refurbished a small space that our family provided, and we began from there. For many months, it was just the two of us, with no external support, simply collaborating and working on our ideas. An interesting opportunity arose when one person trusted our ideas, and the project was built. It felt like a perfect moment. However, the hardest part came after that success. That project emerged from a mix of coincidence and luck. Following up on that initial success was challenging because we didn't have a strong network or visible opportunities. We began pushing forward by developing furniture as an investment to make a name for ourselves. This strategy was difficult because people started associating us solely with furniture. We realised that we needed to shift our focus to architecture and demonstrate our full potential.

Over the years, we have grown and now work with a team on projects in different contexts, such as untouched natural areas. This work carries significant responsibility but also provides a great opportunity to show that co-existence with the environment is possible. Nowadays, this is one of the main focuses of our practice. We are currently developing three houses in these pristine contexts, along with a project larger than all three houses combined. It is both refreshing and exciting for our future. One particular project that excites us is a house being built in a small town near Mérida. This house is designed to encourage outdoor living and contemplation. It offers a very different way of living, as it might seem unsheltering. However, the idea is to expand our views of nature and the outdoors. This approach challenges traditional notions of protection and embraces a more open and harmonious way of living with the environment.

A sanctuary amid expansion

ZB: Last year, we took on a project that's still ongoing. It started off as a small venture, nestled in the heart of the Yucatecan jungle. Although our jungle isn't as vast as those in Campeche or Quintana Roo, it boasts unique trees. Initially, we were thrilled at the idea of creating a small oasis amidst this setting. However, as often happens with clients, their ideas began to expand, and the project grew substantially. This expansion led to a conflict for us.

OF: The project began modestly. However, as it progressed, the client became increasingly enthusiastic and started requesting additional features. With each request, the project expanded further. Eventually, we reached a point where we couldn't simply agree to everything. It wasn't a matter of capability; rather, the project was growing beyond what was feasible for us.

ZB: We began discussions about finding a balance between their business needs and preserving the environment. Despite the client's desire for more than the original plan, they also grasp the importance of a balanced approach. We aimed to create something akin to a nature reserve, although it isn't legally designated as such. We made considerable efforts to leave certain areas untouched, truly preserving them. One key step was conducting a taxonomic study, which involved examining the types of trees, their densities, and growth patterns. This study provided a valuable foundation for making decisions that would benefit the project and enhance its market value. We had to persuade the client that preserving certain areas, like the perimeter and specific trees, would have long-term benefits, such as maintaining privacy and enhancing air quality.

OF: It's quite evident to us that we need to ensure the client understands that excessive development could harm their own interests. They initially chose the land for its specific qualities, but by over-developing, they risked losing those very qualities. We made this point very clear to them, and thankfully, they understood and agreed on certain aspects. 

Designing joy and comfort

OF: We do not like seriousness and starkness in architecture. Stark is a word that always comes to my mind. For us, it is about how we can make a space more approachable and pleasant. This approach includes the inside environment as well. We aim to create spaces that are inviting and comfortable, avoiding harsh and rigid designs. This makes the overall experience more enjoyable for the people using the space.

ZB: It is important to understand that anything in contact with humans, or with the person who will live in or use the space, needs to provide a complete experience. When we design something for a specific space, we always consider the overall experience. For instance, if we are creating a workspace, we think about how it can be integrated with the exterior. From the beginning, we aim to create from the inside out. We want the space to evoke a sense of joy and comfort, avoiding a serious or rigid atmosphere. A little smile or a playful element in the design helps us express the idea of being comfortable and relaxed in the space. Le’t take for instance children. A child explores everything, noticing details and feeling things that are at their level. They see the world from a different perspective, focusing on what is within their reach and eye level. This unique way of experiencing a place is important to consider when designing spaces, as it adds to the overall atmosphere and usability of the environment.

Living beyond four walls

OF: There is a value that is somewhat difficult to describe because it pertains to the Mayans. When people think about the Mayans, they typically do not consider this mystical aspect; instead, they often overlook a very practical aspect of their lifestyle: the fact that they lived outdoors. The "Casa Maya" is where they slept, but their living was done entirely outside. One of the concepts we often contemplate is how to help people understand, based on Mayan principles, how to live outdoors. This lifestyle is not detrimental, despite common concerns about the heat, mosquitoes, opossums, or other animals that might cause fear. It is essential to learn to coexist with these creatures and adapt to these conditions, as there are significant benefits to living this way. What we try to do is difficult to describe with a single word such as "value", but we always aim to help people understand that they can be outside or, at the very least, contemplating the outside. Terraces and pavilions outside a building are very helpful in that strategy, as heat, sultriness and mosquitoes can be controlled by carefully placing these architectural elements in the landscape. We often discuss how, if you have a gathering or invite people over, you want to demonstrate how you are thriving in your space. We try to make people aware of this concept. However, they often do not fully understand, even if they see the model. It is only when they started living this way that they realise we were not mistaken.