SCI-Arc Mexico kicks off with a series of international studios, exhibitions, conferences and symposia.

Los Angeles, CA (February 9, 2016) – SCI-Arc is pleased to announce the launch of SCI-Arc Mexico beginning spring 2016. The school’s official home will be at 108​ Bucareli, a design hub in the up-and-coming neighborhood of Juarez right in the heart of Mexico City. With a series of international studios, exhibitions, conferences and symposia, SCI-Arc Mexico will further Director Hernan Diaz Alonso’s mission of advancing SCI-Arc’s global presence.

“As part of the global outreach effort that SCI-Arc has embarked on, we are thrilled to have a home in such a dynamic city. The extent to which Latino culture influences SCI-Arc and the Los Angeles community at large, a presence in Mexico City is the natural next step,” Diaz Alonso said.  “And of course because of my own background Mexico is close to my heart. We’re excited to embed the school within the dynamic tradition of Mexican culture and look forward to the anchor that this program will provide.”

SCI-Arc Mexico kicks off mid-March with a series of events in conjunction with Ibero-American University. Students from SCI-Arc and Ibero will collaborate on a workshop culminating in reviews and a panel discussion led by Hernan Diaz Alonso and Thom Mayne. An opening reception and SCI-Arc Alumni event celebrating the new program rounds out the launch.

Going forward SCI-Arc Mexico will include an ongoing series of joint studios between SCI-Arc and Ibero-American University along with workshops, exhibitions, symposia and other pop-up events. SCI-Arc will also maintain an information and recruitment office in Mexico City. 

Francisco Pardo, founder of the architectural firm AT103, will coordinate the international program. Pardo, a practicing architect based in Mexico City, received the silver medal for “best housing building” at the Mexican Architecture Biennale and also won the Grand Jury Prize at the Pan-American Biennial of Quito, Ecuador. In 2011, he won first prize in the competition for the renovation of “Palacio de Lecumberri”, a former prison that currently hosts the General Archive of the Nation. His work has been published and exhibited internationally, and his practice was ranked by Icon magazine of London as one of the 50 design and architecture firms that are shaping the future.

SCI-Arc Mexico will complement SCI-Arc Shanghai as well as future international programs in South America and Europe.

SCI-Arc Mexico Launch Details

March 7-9: SCI-Arc/Ibero-American University student workshop

March 9: Workshop reviews / Panel discussion with Hernan Diaz Alonso and Thom Mayne / Opening reception and SCI-Arc Alumni event