As we have seen throughout the history of architecture, ephemeral installations and pavilions are important tools for talking about specific moments in architecture in an almost immediate way. While it is true some pavilions have been so relevant that they broke with their ephemeral quality to become permanent, such as the German Pavilion in Barcelona, designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Lilly Reich, most are documented in photographs, plans and experiences to be rewritten in future projects.

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Urban design is a branch of design intimately related to urban planning and landscape architecture; it focuses broadly on interpreting the form and public space with physical-aesthetic-functional criteria. Different experts in the field such as Jane Jacobs, Denise Scott Brown, Robert Venturi, Jaime Lerner, Jan Gehl, Kevin Lynch have devoted themselves to studying the needs of urban societies within the common spaces to give adequate responses to different contexts. These questions are renewed with new generations and the public space is transformed according to technological advances but what always remains is the sense of belonging of these sites that are only successful when users adopt them as own.

One of the most important factors when designing is the specific climate of the site, this can represent a difficulty when dealing with extreme climates and it is necessary to use insulating materials that adapt to changing conditions. However, when talking about Mexico and its privileged climate, this becomes an advantage for architects, allowing the creation of microclimates and spaces that fade into the transition of what is the inside and the outside.

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Mexican architect Michel Rojkind has been named the senior vice president of architecture at WeWork. A native of Mexico City, Rojkind founded the Rojkind Arquitectos office in 2002 focusing on design, tactical and experiential innovation, maintaining an architectural vision that will shape integral experiences, connecting the complexities of each project to a deeper level to positively impact society and the environment. This vision was what led him to connect perfectly with the WeWork approach.

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• Architects Office

  Alejandro Sánchez García - Taller 6A

• Location

  De La Ciudadela, Colonia Centro, Centro, 06000 Ciudad de México, D.F., Mexico

• Category

  Interiors Architecture

• Collaborators

  Alejandro Sánchez Garcia, Alfredo Cortes Tellez, Mariza Flores Pacheco, Francisco Ramos Olvera, Gricelda Hernández

• Area

  600.0 sqm

• Project Year

  2010

• Photographs

  Jaime Navarro

The Royal Academy has revealed the shortlist for their annual prize recognizing young talent in architecture, the Dorfman Award. The award is given to those "...reimagining the future of architecture and whose work demonstrates a high degree of sensitivity to local and global context." The 2019 shortlist comprises four emerging architects practicing across the globe.

This year's shortlisted designers/practices are: Fernanda Canales (Mexico), Alice Casey and Cian Duggan of TAKA Architects (Ireland), Mariam Kamara of Atelier Masomi (Niger), and Boonserm Premthada of Bangkok Project Studio (Thailand.) The jury for this year's prize included chair Alan Stanton, Louisa Hutton, Phyllida Barlow, Kirsty Wark, Lesley Lokko, and Richard Burdett. The winner will be announced later this year.

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• Architects

  ANTNA

• Location

  Temixco, Morelos, Mexico

• Category

  Extension

• Lead Architects

  Diego Rivero Borrell, Santiago Arroyo

• Area

  16.0 m2

• Project Year

  2017

• Photographs

  Jaime Navarro

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When the time comes to separate or close off spaces, it's important to keep in mind solutions that will adapt and cater to your project. In this step, it's important to define, not only the materials needed to complete the project, but how the final product will interact with the people who will use it.  Some of the most highly recommended solutions are foldable, collapsable, stackable, or hanging mechanisms that allow interiors and exteriors to be integrated without completely losing their individual functions. 

If you're looking for help or inspiration for this process, take a look at 6 projects that effectively utilize these versatile building systems. 

Throughout history, markets have provided an important function in the exchange of foods, books, spices, everyday items, and even ideas. From Mexican Tianguis to North African Souks, they played an essential element in the configuration of urban spaces.

Different architects have approached this challenge, where spatial distribution plays a fundamental role in creating adequate logistics and circulation.

We've selected 20 markets and their plan and section to inspire your next project. 

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• Architects

  ESRAWE

• Location

  Mexico City, Mexico

• Category

  Bar

• Architect in charge

  Rodrigo López

• Concept

  Héctor Esrawe

• Coordination

  Antonio Chávez

• Ceramics

  Cerámica Suro

• Lighting

  Luca Salas

• Area

  1937.5 ft2

• Project Year

  2018

• Photographs

  Jaime Navarro

+ 22

• Architects

  Miguel de la Torre

• Location

  Anillo Vial Fray Junípero Serra 7901, La Purisima, 76146 Santiago de Queretaro, Qro., Mexico

• Category

  Store

• Architects in Charge

  Miguel de la Torre, Rodrigo Márquez

• Area

  8900.0 m2

• Project Year

  2017

• Photography

  Jaime Navarro

+ 5

The Oscar Niemeyer Award for Latin American Architecture is a renowned initiative by the Latin American Architecture Biennial Network (REDBAAL). This award recognizes the best architectural production, unquestionable empowerment, and presence of Latin American architecture in the international context.