A boom that crafts identity

MV: Mexico finds itself in a favourable position, reaping the benefits of increased investments flowing in from the United States and other nations. The country stands out as a destination offering cost-effective services coupled with excellent connectivity to the Americas. Mexico's diverse array of resources further adds to its appeal. Each corner of the nation holds unique treasures, making it a visual delight for tourists. This blend of attractions fuels the surge in tourism, contributing significantly to economic growth. The COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped the tourism landscape, with certain destinations experiencing unprecedented levels of interest. This growth isn't confined to the private sector alone; government initiatives, such as the expansion of transportation infrastructure like railways and airports, underscore a concerted effort to accommodate this burgeoning demand. What's more, the current trajectory suggests an exponential growth pattern unlike anything witnessed before. Mexico isn't just growing; it's on the brink of a transformative boom. 

The increasing demand for architecture also presents us with opportunities to reflect on our architectural practices. Initially, the spotlight fell on the pioneering work of Luis Barragán, marking the first phase of architectural exploration. However, in Guadalajara, there came a period where progress seemed elusive, and survival necessitated a move to Mexico City. Following this, a new era emerged, particularly among educators, who sought to reignite the spirit of innovation and purpose in architectural pursuits. Previously, architecture may have been perceived merely as a means of employment, but now, there was a concerted effort to delve deeper into the underlying principles. Our mentors, many of whom were seasoned travellers and collaborators with architects in Mexico City, recognised the need to critically reassess our approach to architecture. They recognised that amidst this period of growth, we must strive to make a meaningful impact through our architectural endeavours. This revitalised perspective encourages us to question the very essence of why we engage in architecture and how we can shape our own distinctive contribution to the evolving urban landscape. With an abundance of work opportunities now available, some individuals who were previously preoccupied with securing employment find themselves with the luxury of time to ponder these overlooked aspects. The shift in focus allows for a reevaluation of priorities, prompting discussions on how to address the shortcomings in urban development and social inclusivity. It's a pivotal moment where attention can be redirected towards creating more sustainable and equitable communities, ensuring that future growth is not only robust but also socially responsible.

DV:  Another crucial aspect to consider amidst these developments is Mexico's renewed confidence in itself. Rather than striving to emulate others, there's a growing embrace of Mexico's unique identity. This shift is particularly notable in the warm reception of our cultural heritage and distinctiveness on the global stage. Increasingly, the world is drawn to Mexico not to replicate experiences found elsewhere but to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of experiences that only Mexico can offer.

This resurgence of self-assurance signifies a departure from previous attempts to conform to external standards. Instead, there's a palpable sense of pride in showcasing Mexico's authentic charm and allure. This newfound appreciation for our national identity serves as a magnet, attracting individuals from around the globe eager to partake in the genuine essence of Mexico. It's a reaffirmation of our cultural richness and a testament to the timeless appeal of our traditions and customs. We aim to showcase the uniqueness of Mexican architecture, of which we are proud. We don't want to conform to a global standard. Instead, we celebrate our heritage by incorporating Mexican craftsmanship, history, and even the challenges we face. This makes Mexican architecture distinctive and meaningful. 

Natural ties

MV: As for what concerns our practice, we're deeply inspired by both contemporary architectural communities and historical precedents. Looking back centuries, Mexican architecture has a strong connection to nature, evident in features like courtyards, patios, and gardens. This bond with nature is particularly pronounced here in Guadalajara. We believe architecture should be inseparable from its natural surroundings. Through studying history, including the ruins and achievements of the Mayan Civilisation, we've learned valuable lessons about harmonising with nature. This harmony with our environment is a core principle of our architectural philosophy. We often blend indoor and outdoor spaces seamlessly in our designs. For example, instead of simply adding a terrace, we might incorporate a tree, effectively creating a natural terrace. This approach gives us great flexibility. A terrace, for instance, could serve as a shaded area for outdoor relaxation. 

DV: In architecture, simplicity and honesty hold significant value. Just like humans have bones for structure and function, buildings also have their structure and purpose. As inhabitants, our emotions are influenced by the spaces we occupy. Our surroundings must allow us to feel connected. Something that is very important to us is that we seek architects who are driven by a passion for humanity rather than purely economic motives. Understanding what it means to be human shapes the ethos of V Taller, because humans are interconnected with all beings. Our relationship with nature, our surroundings, our health, how we live, rest, and socialise… these aspects inform the questions we explore in our architectural practice. It's easy to lose touch with what truly defines us when surrounded by so much development. With many outsiders viewing Mexico merely as a land of opportunity due to the booming construction industry, including wealthy Mexicans, Americans, and Europeans, there's a risk of diluting this intrinsic quality that defines Mexican architecture and identity. This is why we, as emerging architects, have a great responsibility. 

From partners to pioneers

MV: We first met in preschool, then again during our bachelor's degree. We connected during a rendering course that Daniel taught. Realising we shared a similar approach to architecture, we decided to collaborate on a project. Daniel also suggested that we should offer rendering services to sustain our office. This way, we could continue doing architecture without the fear of losing our livelihood. We didn't want to compromise the integrity of our work by solely pursuing projects for financial gain. Therefore, we started providing rendering services to other architects, allowing us to approach architecture as a passion and artistic pursuit rather than a mere commodity.

DV: I'd like to add something that might not be so technical, but it's important. As Miguel mentioned, we both discovered the value of self-awareness and commitment. We both enjoy spending time outdoors and feel a responsibility to ensure that our practice respects and preserves the environment. This mindset has grown significantly, and together, we always seek opportunities to uphold these values. It's not just about pursuing our own interests without consideration; it's about recognising and respecting the impact of our actions.

MV: We often ponder how we can utilise architecture to bridge the gap between humans and nature, and we frequently ask ourselves how we can achieve this. In Mexico, it's common for spaces to be oversized, but we push ourselves to minimise space wherever possible. Every square meter has an impact, and even with ample funds, we prefer not to overspend, instead opting to invest in enhancing the landscape. Another question we consider is how architecture can play a supporting role or how architecture can play the second or third character in a movie, with the context and elements that truly enrich life taking centre stage. 

DV: We always strive to distance ourselves from being the sole decision-makers. Let me explain this point further. We aim to operate within a system that evolves on its own, rather than making static decisions. Therefore, we prefer to base our practice on various fundamentals, whether it's nature, culture, or society. The closer we are to the site, the greater the impact we can have on the community. This impact can include boosting the economy, preserving cultural identity, maintaining biodiversity, or fostering a genuine local character.

MV: It's not always straightforward: while we have our ideals, we're not always sure if a client is 100% aligned with them. Most of our projects involve private equity or investment, and sometimes, these clients have strong preferences without much room for discussion. This can be frustrating, especially as our experience grows. Personally, I find myself increasingly disheartened by these demands in architecture with each passing year. It can be quite challenging at times.

DV: The turning point came when we started learning to decline certain projects and instead focus on aligning ourselves with clients who shared our values. We aimed to collaborate with clients who were open to our ideas and messages and who valued respect for everyone involved. However, honestly, we haven't reached a point where everything feels right and conscious in every decision. There's always been a compromise, whether it's a client prioritising the programme over cost or limiting material options. There's still some room for improvement in terms of being more environmentally conscious if you know what I mean.

MV: Over the past 10 years, we've come to realise that if we truly want to stick to our principles, the best approach would be to become our own clients. After a decade, we've decided to start moving in that direction. It's an exciting time for the office as we embark on our first project under this new paradigm. We're actively seeking the right location partners and building everything from scratch with our own ideas. This allows us to question the programme, the site, density, and accessibility to architecture. We have the opportunity to collaborate closely with trusted partners, inviting them to join us not as clients but as partners, pooling our resources together. We're steering away from relying solely on private investment and exploring new avenues, even if the public sector hasn't been very receptive. We're taking a leap of faith to not only create architecture but also develop everything that complements it. This approach reflects our research and investigations, now put into action.

Through the voice of nature

DV: During our first meeting with a client, I always like to ask, "Have you considered what the land itself wants to contribute to your project?" This is just a starting point to get into the client's mindset, perhaps to change their perspective and consider something different. For example, if there are many trees on the land, now they might be more sensitive about not cutting them down. So, we begin there and encourage them to anticipate something different from their initial ideas.

Speaking of examples, let me mention San Pancho. It's a house truly immersed in the jungle, not a cheap or simple structure. This was because the terrain was very challenging, with a steep slope. The clients, a couple around 70 years old, wanted to live on just one level as they intended to spend their later years in a place like this. Additionally, the land had very old trees. The real challenge was understanding where the true value lay, not just in the structure we were going to build, but in the land they had already purchased. They may not have initially expected a focus on the structure versus the finishes. In the end, the project became about how to float the structure to maintain natural water flow and preserve the jungle. The result is complex but seamlessly integrated with the surroundings.

MV: We always aim to push boundaries. One exercise that stands out to me is the one we did in La Ventana. It involved designing a hotel with various programmes and addressing different questions. When I visited Baja California Sur on my own to spend time there and get a feel for the place, I realised it was undergoing rapid growth. It felt like a blank canvas for architecture. So I thought, why not create something that others could even replicate? We weren't concerned about that. There was this big investor, a major developer, to which we offered to do the project for free. We just wanted to be the ones to design it, rather than them hiring someone else or doing something generic. Our proposal was to create structures resembling palapas, like palm tree structures, paying attention in a design that could be supported and anchored by the cacti, some of which were seven meters tall. So, in that design, we made a decision not to disturb any cardons, therefore we opted to preserve them. The palapa, designed in a contemporary style, blended seamlessly with the landscape. I appreciated the exercise, but then I began to question the programme. Is it really impactful if it only caters to one affluent family? Hotels, on the other hand, can make a significant impact if they genuinely respect nature. They receive a lot of attention in the media, and people often emulate them, which I find positive. I don't mind if good ideas or concepts are replicated. That's why we strive to introduce more unconventional products, even if they're less common. These developers were very impressed with us, but they wanted to hire us for another project. They were still focused on the numbers in Excel sheets rather than translating those into innovative architecture. That's when I became somewhat disillusioned. I felt that we could create architecture that truly respects nature.

A fusion of past and present

DV: How can we question housing? How can we challenge different industries? We don't want to focus solely on one sector. We don't want to be constrained by just designing housing or commercial spaces, which could lead to social dislocation. We had this approach to another project called Rancho Altos, which combines the tequila industry, housing, and a school. Even though we didn’t initiate this project ourselves, it encompasses a lot, combining housing with hospitality and industry. This integration with nature is a trend seen globally, but it's particularly pronounced in Mexico due to the abundance of land. So, these developments naturally occur. We have the tequila industry, a museum, a school, healthcare facilities, and hotels all blending together, enriching the programme. This approach also ensures the project's long-term success and prevents it from being abandoned. Following this realisation, we decided to adopt a similar perspective. In the city, we noticed growth primarily driven by economics rather than quality. So, we began to explore if we could steer projects towards nature, incorporating diverse typologies beyond just housing.

MV: The concept behind this exercise is about creating a platform for human development through architecture. We aim to establish the right environment for social connections, prioritising health in every aspect: clean air, water, sunlight, going back to the fundamentals. For us, it's crucial, albeit somewhat clichéd, to honour originality by returning to our roots. We believe in this deeply. Rather than reinventing the wheel, we prefer to start from the basics and build from there, incorporating contemporary elements without neglecting history. Sometimes, in contemporary approaches, there's a tendency to overlook or erase history, but we want to embrace both.

DV: In 2013, humanity transitioned from being predominantly rural to predominantly urban, with 51% living in urban areas. Nowadays, I believe it's around 60-40. We're increasingly moving away from those towns with amazing infrastructure designed for people, not cars, where the streets are wide for walking with your family, making it a safe and connected place with nature. So, our approach is to explore if we can integrate housing with farming, enabling residents to grow their own food and produce their own energy sustainably, and to incorporate education into the community, collaborating with the nearby town of Avandaro, located in Valle de Bravo. We aim to foster connections and support the local community. Culturally, we want to create spaces for artistic expression and promote wellness. We're embracing the concept of slow living, questioning the traditional pace of life.

MV: As individuals, we possess numerous tools to make an impact, sometimes even more so than when we act solely as architects. We can influence and design through our actions, behaviours, and engagement in various disciplines beyond the realm of architecture. By recognising the breadth of our influence, we empower ourselves to enact positive change on a broader scale, transcending the confines of traditional architectural practice.