Architecture in Mexico

Since 1994 the University of Arkansas School of Architecture has provided students with a wide range of cultural and architectural experiences through the Mexico Summer Urban Studio. Students are introduced to a complex new social and physical condition through a process of design and analysis executed in Mexico City and on separate field trips to different regions of the Mexican nation.

The 6-week design studio is conducted in a studio annex and garden, designed by Luis Barragan, Mexico’s greatest 20th Century architect, and is located directly across the street from the Casa Barragan, his home and office. Arkansas students in collaboration with students from other Mexican schools of architecture extend their development as architects by investigating local, regional and international tectonic strategies; native and colonial architecture; the vast scale of the megalopolis; and the character of individual dwellings studying how they reflect constancy and change across socioeconomic and political differences.

The ultimate goal of this collaboration is to heighten students’ awareness of the similarities and differences that exist in the world today so that they may return to their education with a deeper understanding of who they are and the role they must assume in the ongoing evolution of architecture in the 21st century.

Check out Stephenie Foster's blog to see what it's like from a student perspective!

Leadership for the program comes from the Fay Jones School of Architecture.

Want to know more? Click on the links above to find out all the program details and application information.