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Urban Rivers and Canals in Mexico City: Projects for Their Rehabilitation

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The restoration, rehabilitation, and recognition of urban rivers and canals must be integrated into state and federal policies, going beyond the mere practical use of the resource. In many developing nations, including Mexico, water-related challenges are heavily concentrated in cities, driven by the haphazard urban growth of recent decades.

A series of renderings explores the evolution of the US Presidential Office from 1909 to 2021

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Redecorating the Oval Office is not just a statement of presidential taste; yet, as all spaces reveal principles that extend far beyond the visual, it is ultimately a statement of control. It is here that the president meets with international dignitaries and addresses the cameras to deliver messages of great importance, which is why he (or, one day, she) does not want it to look as though their predecessor still claims ownership of the space.

'Flor Urbana' Installation by dérive LAB + Germen Estudio Reflects on the Climate Impact of Public Buildings

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The 'Flor Urbana' (Urban Flower) installation—located on the esplanade of the Periférico Sur Light Rail Station in Guadalajara, Mexico, which sees a daily flow of around 20,000 people—stems from the need to address key concerns of the 'Public Infrastructure Prototypes for a City of the Future' (PIP Ciudad Futuro) project. Developed by dérive LAB, the initiative aims to reimagine public buildings as spaces for climate mitigation in the Guadalajara Metropolitan Area through the installation and adaptation of technologies that monitor noise, air quality, transit, and energy efficiency, among other metrics.

How to Build with Clay? John Pawson and Alejandra Sepulveda Respond in Pomaire, Chile

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"Can we make clay form a structure that can bear loads?" John Pawson asks Alejandra Sepúlveda from Taller Barros. Together, they are working on the Ruta de la Greda (The Clay Route) in Pomaire, Chile.

The Material That ‘Dominated’ China’s Landmark Buildings in 2021: Anodized Aluminum Panels

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#Anodized Aluminum Panels
In recent years, anodized aluminum panels have emerged as a prominent material, utilized across numerous interior and exterior architectural projects in China. Anodized aluminum features six key characteristics: 1. Metallic Appearance, protected by a transparent anodic oxide film, the natural, soft metallic texture of aluminum is fully preserved; 2. Workability, anodized aluminum features exceptional workability, as well as outstanding forming and bending capabilities; 3. Surface Consistency, across diverse architectural forms, anodized aluminum panels maintain a highly uniform color; 4. Corrosion Resistance, the anodization process generates a dense oxide film on the metal surface, providing superior corrosion resistance and enhancing structural hardness and strength; 5. Weatherability, the static-free surface does not attract dust, making it easy to clean and maintain its pristine, like-new appearance even after repeated washing. This ensures the building facade stands the test of time; projects completed with anodized aluminum 40 years ago still look as good as new today; 6. Sustainability, functioning as an environmentally friendly material classified as Class A non-combustible.

#Almeco Anodized Aluminum Panels
Almeco is a global expert in pre-treated aluminum surfaces, offering a range of innovative anodized aluminum products for interior and exterior curtain walls and decoration. Their unparalleled metallic texture, rich colors, and excellent workability bring new vitality and artistic form to interior and exterior architecture, turning every building into a unique work of art. Consequently, Almeco has become the material of choice for renowned architects such as Jean Nouvel, Thom Mayne, MAD, and UNStudio.

David Pompa Studio explores the possibilities of palm with a lighting collection

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As part of a new initiative accompanying the launch of the 2021 collection, Studio David Pompa has transformed its Mexico City showroom into a space showcasing the "Palma" project—an experimental body of work comprising a series of interior design and lighting pieces centered on the craftsmanship and origins of palm in Mexico.

A Distanced Gaze: Denise Scott Brown between Africa and London, the driving force and origin of Learning from Las Vegas

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This article by Lina Toro Ocampo was originally published under the title "Mirada distanciada: conceptualización de la experiencia de Denise Scott Brown entre África y Londres, como motor y origen de Learning from Las Vegas*" ("The Distanced Gaze: Conceptualizing Denise Scott Brown’s Experience between Africa and London as the Impetus and Origin of Learning from Las Vegas*") in issue No. 23 of the Dearq journal on January 23, 2018 (DOI: https://doi.org/10.18389/dearq23.2018.01). This article aims to demonstrate the importance of valuing specific autobiographical circumstances within the educational framework of teaching and learning architectural design.

We present it below as part of a joint collaboration to contribute to the dissemination of research, analysis, and opinions developed by the national and international academic community on architecture, urban issues, and related fields.

Careers in Chengdu | MUDA-Architects: Architect, Interior Designer, Brand Operations, Intern

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MUDA-Architects was founded in 2015 in Beijing, China, and Boston, USA, establishing its Chengdu office in 2017. MUDA features an international team of architects composed of creative designers from diverse global backgrounds. The firm brings forward-thinking concepts, extensive experience, high professional standards, and unique creativity to the fields of architecture and design. MUDA’s design portfolio spans public, cultural, and commercial buildings, as well as urban design, landscape architecture, and interior design.

Barcelona: Destructions of Use

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Massimo Paolini shares the following article titled 'Barcelona: Destructions of Use.' It presents the latest projects and debates surrounding the future of the city.

Color in Architecture: Best Design Strategies and Trends

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How important is color in architecture? The choice of color for a facade or a space can have complex effects on people, directly influencing their sensations and perceptions. The possibilities are endless, ranging from bold contrasts to complete achromatism.

The following list is our index of articles, news, and projects covering everything you need to know about the importance of color in buildings—from design strategies and the latest trends to its application in projects and materials.

Bioclimatic Strategies in Chile: Passive Climate Control in 10 Office and Industrial Buildings

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When we speak of passive climate control, we refer to techniques that, with little to no energy consumption, create the appropriate temperature, humidity, and air quality conditions for comfort and habitability, partially or fully replacing active mechanical systems. Typically, these strategies are based on natural environmental parameters—such as air currents, the earth's thermal stability, and solar paths, among others—to regulate heat gain in the summer and heat loss in the winter, achieving optimal thermal comfort.

Kengo Kuma and Rodrigo Veliz on how to build with clay in Pomaire, Chile

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“What is the essence of ceramic craftsmanship in Pomaire?” asks Kengo Kuma of Rodrigo Veliz, a potter with a long family tradition, with whom he is collaborating on the Clay Route in Chile.

The Builder of Ruins: An Unfinished House by Paco Alonso

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"Domingos Libro" is hosted by Carmelo from Enorme Studio, where every two weeks, he delves deeply into forgotten architectural publications, books, and architectural magazines from the '60s, '70s, and '80s that carry the most interesting stories behind them.

This latest episode focuses on the 1989 double issue 181/182 of the Catalan magazine QUADERNS, specifically examining an unfinished house by Paco Alonso, an architect from the Madrid School who never completed any of his works and was once dubbed "The Builder of Ruins" by a colleague.

TEN Arquitectos: 8 Projects in Progress in 2021

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TEN Arquitectos is a practice based in Mexico City, New York, and Miami. Founded by Mexican architect Enrique Norten, the firm has 33 years of experience designing with a global perspective that yields a consistent international sensitivity when creating new spaces. This trajectory has been recognized with various national and international awards, including the Mies van der Rohe Award for Latin American Architecture, honors from the national American Institute of Architects (AIA) and several US chapters, Architectural Record, Architect Magazine, Architizer, Biennials in Mexico, Argentina, and Ecuador, and the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), among others.

What is a master plan?

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In any planning process, a series of documents—comprising both graphic and textual materials—establishes a framework for future development. In urban planning, the master plan stands out as one of the most common instruments for this purpose.

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6 micro-documentaries on prominent Chilean architects

“Arquitectos” is a micro-documentary series produced by AvantVisual and directed by Mauro Alfaro on the life and work of prominent Chilean architects. The series was originally scheduled to premiere at the XXI Chile Architecture and Urbanism Biennial, “The Common and the Everyday.” However, due to the suspension of the Biennial in the wake of the 2019 social uprising, the premiere could not take place.

Open Architectures: How to Design for Changing Uses?

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Out of necessity, buildings change uses over time. Churches become libraries, and abandoned warehouses are transformed into cultural centers. Although much has been written on the subject since N. John Habraken's concept of open building in the 1970s, a fascinating global debate is currently underway. Do we really need so much square footage dedicated to offices when the pandemic proved that much of our work can be done remotely?

Is Medialab-Prado Relocating? An Open Letter in Its Defense

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"The Value of Medialab-Prado as an Original Work on Urban Heritage and Institutional Good Practice." This is the title of the open letter written by the movement defending a cultural center with nearly 20 years of history in Madrid—housed in the historic Serrería Belga building in the Barrio de las Letras.

What are local materials and how are they used in megacities?

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The construction sector's contribution to today's climate crisis is deeply concerning: between material production, construction, and building operations, the sector is one of the largest emitters of greenhouse gases. Meanwhile, as urban populations grow at historic rates, we find that in the development of major energy-intensive cities, reducing the discipline's environmental impact seems to rely on niche interests and individual initiatives rather than large-scale actions from academia, the profession, or policymakers.

History has shown us numerous construction techniques and applications of local materials that have proven sustainable over time—relying on the efficient use of resources that require no intensive industrial processing and eliminate the need for long-distance transportation. In some cases, at the end of their life cycle, these materials can even be returned to the environment, as is the case with adobe and wood.

Santiago's San Carlos Canal: Cover It?

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It took nearly 60 years to build the San Carlos Canal, an engineering feat that drew water from the Maipo River to irrigate the lands of southeastern Santiago.

How to design healthy interiors?

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How can we design spaces that are healthy for our minds and bodies? This is the central question we will address this March as we focus on the topic of interiors and well-being.

Raw Earth Rotunda: A 200-Hour 3D-Printed Sustainable Home

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This project represents the latest collaboration between Italian firm Mario Cucinella Architects (MC A) and WASP, marking the first time the two teams have used raw earth—a natural, fully recyclable material—for 3D-printed construction. Located in Massa Lombarda (Ravenna, Italy), the completed habitat is named TECLA. The earthen dome was constructed in 200 hours of continuous printing by multiple synchronized 3D printers.

Jobs of the Week | IN.X & SLT-STUDIOLITE

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This week's featured career opportunities come from two design firms based in Beijing and Shanghai: IN.X Design and SLT- STUDIOLITE. Specialized in projects of varying scales and themes, both practices are highly active across diverse design sectors and are looking to recruit like-minded design talent to join their teams.

The Right to the City: From Lefebvre to the Mexican Constitution

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Contrary to popular belief, it is impossible to separate law and urban planning. Both disciplines have served as instruments to establish the rampant inequalities we live in—one through the administration of state force, the other through the accumulation of territorial power. Yet both also hold the keys to creating more equitable cities. The only way to build a true right to the city is through interdisciplinary dialogue, particularly now that a reform proposal seeks to recognize this right in the Political Constitution of the United Mexican States. This article aims to open a space for dialogue among those of us working in law, architecture, and urban planning.

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