With 16 architects announced as shortlist winners back in October, the Architectural Review has announced Comunal Taller de Arquitectura as the winner of Architectural Review's 2019 Emerging Architecture Award. 

The Mexico-based architecture firm was applauded for a project submission that focused on their community-driven work within the rural village of Tepetzintán in Mexico. According to this year's AR judging panel, the practice was recognized for its "fight against a political lobby that is vastly supportive of replicable, commercial housing development over housing seen as a human right." 

Founded in 2015 in Mexico City by Mariana Ordóñez Grajales, who was later joined by Jesica Amescua Carrera, Comunal Taller de Arquitectura focuses on building in Mexico's rural and indigenous communities. The duo explained to AR during an interview that "architecture is not an object, it is rather a participatory social process, alive and open, that allows members of the community to express their ideas, needs and aspirations, always placing them at the center of projects and decision makers." 

Both Grajales and Carrera attribute their work to socially-minded architect Enrique Ortiz Flores and his work on "Social Production of Habitat" (PSH).  With the award, Comunal received a £10,000 prize. 

Joining Comunal in their win are two other studios who were recognized as Highly Commended practices by the Architectural Review. Estudio MMX from Mexico and Estúdio Gustavo Utrabo from Brazil were praised by the jury for their work. The Peter Davey Prize was also awarded to TAKA Architects and Clancy Moore Architects, both from Ireland. 

To learn more about this year's awards and its winners click here.