Thoughtful Making of Space: World Architect’s Day
Tara A. Spears
Architects have the vision to turn structures into beautiful dwellings and businesses. Without the contribution and skill set of professional architects, we would be still living in grass huts or caves. Mexican architects have greatly influenced the role of design in the world. Renowned architect Bjarke Ingels states, “Architecture is about trying to make the world a little more like our dreams.” In a vibrant, passionate country such as Mexico, architecture infuses these qualities into its buildings, even in rural communities. One of the primary roles of an architect is to create a better quality of life by including art, design, structure and sustainability into buildings.
This year, through its World Architecture Day, the UIA is focusing on “Architecture for well-being”, in line with the designation of 2022 as the UIA Year of Design for Health in buildings and cities. In parallel, the UN’s World Habitat Day, is theme is “Mind the Gap. Leave No One and Place Behind”. The 2022 theme challenges architects to look at the problem of growing inequality and challenges in cities and human settlements, due to the triple ‘C’ crises – COVID-19, climate and conflict.
An example of how architecture reflects culture and its environment is the use of bold colors and simple geometric lines in Jaltemba Bay. While a purple/blue/orange/ house would clash with the surroundings in Canada, these bold colors are perfect for the sun filled tropics. In a 1990’s visit to Cancun, Mexico, the author learned that the Maya used cobalt blue to decorate their structures because they believed that color warded off evil. Therefore, cobalt blue will be used frequently in modern Mexican residences.
A local non-profit group, Women to Women, provides university scholarships to bright local young women. One of the scholarship students, Dessire Mera Riofrio, graduated as an architect. During the intensive study program, Dessire said, “It was exciting to learn that architects need to be environmentally responsible, to build “more resilient, sustainable and healthy societies” that could withstand current and future threats. I learned about Sustainable Development Goals for Architects worldwide, which is looking to improve the quality of the spaces in which we live and work by creating a good design that ‘makes our communities stronger, safer and healthier’.”
Modern architects are not just crunching numbers to manage a client’s budget but are tasked with including sustainability, style and healthful conditions. Mexican architecture has a long history beginning with the Maya, Aztecs and Incas and their impressive pyramids and cities. In the 20th century, several Mexican architects earned an international reputation, most notably Luis Ramiro Barragán Morfín and Ricardo Legorreta Vilchis. Barragan’s style is characterized by the application of contemporary themes to the traditional Mexican architecture. His architectural firm is still based in Guadalajara.
Ricardo Legorreta Vilchis. He became one of the most internationally recognized Mexican architects. His work is recognized by broad sectors of society due to his trademark use of a central courtyard that gives access to all the bedrooms in his residential designs. A totally private terrace was designed on the roof of the house to give the clients intimacy and a unique all 360° view. The materials frequently used consist of plaster and stone to provide a fusion with the Mexican beach and desert sand while the use of art as an essential part of each structure.
Most people aren’t aware of the October celebration of World Architech day but we all can appreciate a beautiful structure. The International Union of Architects (UIA) is an international NGO, a global federation of national associations of architects that represents over 1.3 million architects in 124 countries and territories. It was established in 1948 in order to unite the architects of the world. Thank you to all the architects who design for the present but with an awareness of the past and who design for a future which is essentially unknown. Each community is a better place because of the influence of architects. 
