Onnis Luque

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Hotels in Mexico: Utilizing Natural Materials and Waste in Contemporary Construction

In the quest to promote a more sustainable construction where the use of natural materials contributes to the transmission of local traditions and cultures, an increasing number of architecture projects are exploring different resources and techniques to address environmental, economic, or social concerns. Understanding the benefits and qualities of materials such as color or texture influences the final experience of those who inhabit, walkthrough, or visit spaces. Therefore, understanding their technical, constructive, aesthetic, and functional properties should be part of the design process from the beginning.

How Can Modular Housing Production Incorporate Material Locality and Regional Craft?

Modular homes are houses either partially or fully constructed in a factory. This process involves creating a series of three-dimensional 'modules' delivered to a site in a predetermined spatial pattern and assembled into a complete product. These homes have become popular solutions to housing crises as they can be produced 50% faster and emit half as much pollution.

However, the locality of the materials used is a significant factor that gives homes their character. It conveys a sense of place, culture, construction history, and local craftsmanship. This raises questions about its role in modular housing: Can local materials be used in the factory production of homes? Can they be combined with a modular framework and temporary connections? What are the limitations of building modular homes in the local contexts of the Global South?

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Architecture in Mexico: Projects Using Stone

Due to their aesthetic, sustainable, durable, and resistant qualities, stone materials have accompanied the disciplines of architecture and engineering since their origins. As is known, in Mexico, stone has been a fundamental element in pre-Hispanic constructions where experimentation was done with vaults, ashlars, masonry, etc.

However, the industrialization of this material, the perfection of techniques, and experimentation with its various applications have allowed buildings erected today to continue using it in different ways and various regions of the country, specifically in wooded areas. For this reason, we have compiled a selection of projects that include houses, haciendas, hotels, restaurants, and terraces to continue inspiring you.

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Calderitas Pier / a|911

Calderitas Pier / a|911 - More Images+ 15

Chetumal, Mexico
  • Architects: a|911
  • Area Area of this architecture project Area:  32500
  • Year Completion year of this architecture project Year:  2023
  • Manufacturers Brands with products used in this architecture project
    Manufacturers:  Cemex, Zeraus Iluminación

Condo-Hotel Ana Polanco / Local de Arquitectura

Condo-Hotel Ana Polanco / Local de Arquitectura - More Images+ 14

Ciudad de México, Mexico
  • Area Area of this architecture project Area:  3000
  • Year Completion year of this architecture project Year:  2023
  • Manufacturers Brands with products used in this architecture project
    Manufacturers:  Corev, Tata Mosaicos

Architecture in Mexico: Projects that Highlight the Colima Territory

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There are several reasons why Colima is a Mexican state of relevant cultural wealth, one of them is due to its climate and orography where beaches such as Manzanillo and the Colima volcano are sheltered, facilitating tourism in this region. Moreover, the rich pre-Hispanic history signed on archaeological sites such as "El Chanal", "La Campana" and "Meseta de la Hierbabuena", as well as some important haciendas (farms) such as the Hacienda de Nogueras, Hacienda del Carmen and Hacienda San Antonio.

Architecture in Mexico: Projects that Highlight the Colima Territory - More Images+ 8

CY Country Houses / reyesrios+larraín arquitectos

CY Country Houses / reyesrios+larraín arquitectos - More Images+ 20

School Architecture: 70 Examples in Plan and Section

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For architects, schools are often complex structures to design. They must provide a variety of spaces for education, and also consider sports and recreational activities. But beyond its size or surface, the greatest challenge is to design an area that fosters a positive pedagogical environment for children. Below, a selection of +70 school projects with their drawings to inspire your proposals for learning campuses.

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How to Apply the Monochrome Technique in Architecture? Examples in Mexico

One way to employ color is through monochrome, a design technique that involves using a single tone or color in a space. In architecture, monochrome is a powerful tool where different shades can be created through the play of lights and shadows, generating spaces that offer unique experiences to their inhabitants.

Nueva Creación Kindergarten / Taller de Arquitectura Miguel Montor

Nueva Creación Kindergarten / Taller de Arquitectura Miguel Montor - More Images+ 33

Tultepec, Mexico
  • Year Completion year of this architecture project Year:  2022
  • Manufacturers Brands with products used in this architecture project
    Manufacturers:  Basaltex, Cemex, Cuprum, Hafele, Supra Desarrollos

Architecture in Mexico: Projects to Explore the Yucatán Territory Beyond Mérida

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Yucatán is a state located in the southeastern part of Mexico on what is known as the Yucatán Peninsula, bordered by the Gulf of Mexico, Quintana Roo, and Campeche. Within this state, there are 4 magical towns: Izamal, Maní, Sisal, and Valladolid. The architecture of this region is a blend of indigenous, Hispanic, Mexican, French, Italian, and American influences.

The Impact of Pigmented Concrete in Latin American Residential Architecture

The use of pigmented concrete in Latin American architecture is growing - and influencing contemporary architectural expression. This can be seen in recent built works ranging from the INES Innovation Center designed by Pezo von Ellrichshausen in Chile to the Teotitlán del Valle Community Cultural Center by PRODUCTORA in Mexico.

Materials That Define the Contemporary Mexican Architectural Aesthetic

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From the pre-Columbian period of the Americas –during which cultures such as the Olmec, Maya, Purepecha, and Mexica (Aztec) thrived– to the modern era where architecture has been influenced by social movements and even natural disasters, Mexican architecture showcases a valuable architectural expression, with its own unique voice and distinctive characteristics. Nobel Literature Laureate Octavio Paz argued that architecture is an incorruptible witness to history. Likewise, the materials used to shape it have acted as protagonists of that history, enduring in many cases over time and evolving thanks to the generations of architects who have contributed to it, from different perspectives.

To trace a timeline, it is possible to take as a starting point pre-Hispanic architecture, which exhibited a diversity of nuances due to Mexico's vast territorial extension. This allowed diverse cultures to find their niche and develop their characteristic architectural styles. Subsequently, the era of Spanish colonization, which itself drew influence from Islamic architecture, represented a noteworthy turning point in architectural development. This phase endured until the advent of Mexican Independence in the 19th century. In turn, this marked the initiation of social and cultural movements, both during and after the Mexican Revolution in the early 20th century.

Architecture for Music: Contemporary Works in Mexico that Blend Disciplines

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The relationship between architecture and music has existed throughout history and can be observed in various aspects. The way architectural spaces are designed can affect the sound quality and auditory experience of a musical piece. The acoustics of a place, determined by its shape, size, and materials used in its construction, can influence how sounds and music are perceived. That's why architecture plays an essential role in the design of auditoriums and concert halls. The aspects to consider include space distribution, seat placement, the shape of the venue, and acoustics to ensure an optimal sonic experience.

Casa Leria / TAC Taller Alberto Calleja

Casa Leria / TAC Taller Alberto Calleja - More Images+ 13

Puerto Escondido, Mexico

Public Waterfront Pools: 10 Aquatics Facilities Bordering Rivers and Oceans

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Public Waterfront Pools: 10 Aquatics Facilities Bordering Rivers and Oceans  - Featured Image
Piscinas en Leça de Palmeira / Alvaro Siza. Image © Fernando Guerra | FG+SG

At first glance, building a pool right beside another body of water seems a little redundant. After all, why would someone choose to swim in a pool when they have a river or ocean to enjoy? However, for people with limited mobility and younger more inexperienced swimmers, natural bodies of water can prove both daunting and dangerous. Pools not only provide a controlled, secure space for them to enjoy aquatic activities, they also provide a connection with the surrounding landscape.

Explore 15 Houses That Get the Most Out of an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)

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Contemporary family living setups mean parents and grandparents in need of care, teenagers and young adults in need of independence, and homeowners in need of the financial security of a guaranteed passive income are all finding themselves in the same situation, and under the same roof. With little extra space to move into, and few options in an increasingly squeezed housing market to move out to, the simple solution is just to add another roof.

For those in the market for more functional floorspace, detached single-story ADUs (accessory dwelling units) are a simple way to boost a home’s usability fast, while avoiding the regulatory wranglings inherent in more complex structural adaptations.

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Architecture and Mezcal: Bars and Distilleries in Mexico

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Mezcal is a Mexican beverage that has gained great popularity in the last decade. Its history dates back to pre-Hispanic times when cultures consumed various drinks derived from the agave plant in different ways. During the pre-Columbian period, this plant was used for various purposes, ranging from food to the production of fibers and medicines. However, within the different processes, they discovered that they could ferment and distill the juice of the agave to obtain an alcoholic beverage, which they called "pulque".