Architecture Competition The Last Nuclear Bomb Memorial 2nd and Green prize winners – Patxi Jauregui, Ana Elizalde, Mónica Muñoz and Yael González

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the 2nd and Green prize winners of our “The Last Nuclear Bomb Memorial” competition – Patxi Jauregui, Ana Elizalde, Mónica Muñoz and Yael González from Mexico!

Patxi Jauregui, Ana Elizalde, Mónica Muñoz and Yael González from Mexico

We are four Mexican architects that just graduated with a bachelor's degree in architectural studies from Tec de Monterrey, campus Queretaro. Ever since we were at school, we have been involved in diverse collaborations, like SOM-TEC in Chicago and urban research with C-Lab in Querétaro. Today, we work in different architecture firms in the country. 

Brief information about the projects that you/your company have been involved with. For instance, what scale have you focused on/preferred, any significant projects where the company/ individuals have been involved? 

This project was a huge opportunity for us to contribute with different ideas for the memorial. It was quite interesting for us, since we had worked with each other but not all together as a team, even though we have been friends for years. 

What does architecture mean to you and what is the role of an architect in your society?

For us, living and having studied in a developing country made us understand that architecture should be interpreted as a solution for a correct development of the society and the city. Being aware of the privileges we have in a country where privileges are lacking, we have taken a position that has led us to reevaluate architecture in a physical environment and the social constructions that result from this relationship. We may think that cities are on their way to fragmentation, and we definitely believe that architecture can contribute to their regeneration, but it requires the collaboration of everyone; society will always be inherent to architecture.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

As recently graduated architects, participating in architecture competitions is important because it allows us to keep imagining possibilities and stretching the limits of architecture, without barriers and restrictions; something that can be limited in the professional field once there are budgets and clients involved. We believe it is important for our creative development to continue exploring ideas that challenge us and promote a strong dialogue.

What advice would you give to individuals who struggle to decide whether it would be beneficial for them to participate in architecture competitions?

Participating in architecture competitions gives people the opportunity to explore different creative processes without restrictions, challenge themselves and propose new solutions, designs, and ideas for the world.