CONCEPT

Studio Mexico is a traveling vertical studio taught by UF SOA Professors William Tilson and Alfonso Pérez-Méndez that examines strategies of place making in the tropics. Drawing inspiration from the rich cultural landscape of Mexico, the studio pays close attention to the impact of climate, culture and construction on the design of new public spaces and building tectonics. Based in Guadalajara, Jalisco, side trips are planned to Guanajuato, San Miguel de Allende and Mexico City giving students an unparalleled cross section of Mexican culture. The course is open to advanced students in architecture and the related design disciplines.

The program begins with the close reading of articles that provide the conceptual, historical, and technical context for the studio and companion seminar. This packet is distributed at the beginning of the Summer A term for review prior to the field work. Participants are expected to carefully review the material and participate in an email list which affords you flexibility of location during this period. A paper of 2500-3000 words is the expected outcome of this study.

The field work occurs during a three week period beginning with Summer B session. Studio sessions meet daily beginning at 0900. Studio work is complemented by lectures, discussions and field trips. Emphasis is placed on field drawings in 11 x 17 format complemented by paper model constructions and computer modeling. Field trips to various cultural sites are closely linked with the studio assignments and the readings. One weekend is left open for individual travel and research. Upon return to the US, participants are required to complete the design work by the first week in August.  Students are also expected to prepare their final design work for a public exhibition following the summer studio. All course work is conducted in English. A working knowledge of Spanish is always helpful but not required.