A popular saying goes, "Mexico is many Mexicos," a reality that manifests in various ways. The country's multiculturalism is highly pronounced; since pre-Columbian times, it has been clear that while there were commonalities linked to general human traits, material availability, and regional influence, architectural discourse and needs varied distinctly according to the geographical conditions of where it was built.
This diversity is particularly evident in the case of Mexico City, owing to its concentration of economic activity and, consequently, the rich history of cultures that have evolved here. This evolution spans from its settlement on a lake connected by the “chinampas”—an artificial floating agricultural system that became highly popular by 1519 and remains active in Xochimilco, in the south of Mexico City. Furthermore, much of the pre-Hispanic architecture of Tenochtitlan was governed by its alignment with celestial bodies. Later, the architecture of the viceregal period bore witness to the invasive nature of the Conquest, which sought to bury the foundations of pre-Hispanic civilizations by constructing Catholic religious buildings. For its part, the Modern Movement sought to provide infrastructure that triggered a massive restructuring of the city, erecting some of its most recognizable landmarks for events such as the 1968 Olympic Games. This period also saw the rise of the widely admired Luis Barragán, the architect par excellence in merging the concept of a new International Style with the vibrant colors, textures, and rich culture of Mexico.
Today, we face various challenges that prompt us to ask what key aspects we must consider in our contemporary practice. Following a thorough review—which could easily inspire much broader research—we can affirm that the path toward a contemporary architectural design methodology requires addressing the core aspects of the architectural program. However, this must be done with a critical eye that questions why architectural objects require specific spaces and which parts of these programs have adapted over time. Below, we present several key points to consider during the design process to ensure your project achieves a meaningful impact at multiple scales.
