Peja Culture Pavilion competition Honorable mention winners - Eduardo Francisco Diaz Lopez and Javier Axel De La Orta Mejia

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the Honorable mention winners of our "Peja Culture Pavilion" competition – Eduardo Francisco Diaz Lopez and Javier Axel De La Orta Mejia from Mexico!

Eduardo Francisco Diaz Lopez and Javier Axel De La Orta Mejia

Please tell us about your company (when it was founded, where it is based, how many employees, etc) Alternatively, if you do not have a company, please give us some insights on your own professional/academia background.

We are Paco and Axel, two Mexican architects living in different countries. We met in 2022 during the summer school program at the Architectural Association (AA) in London.  Currently, we are pursuing our practice in Melbourne, Australia, and Mexico City, respectively. Living and working in such diverse urban contexts enriches our exchange of ideas and allows us to propose solutions that transcend borders. Despite the distance, we maintain a collaborative dialogue, sharing insights and challenging each other’s perspectives. This collaborative process strengthens our approach, which is grounded in embodied awareness and enriched by diverse perspectives.

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?

We are interested in architectural projects at various scales, from objects to master planning and landscape design. Our portfolio includes residential projects, public spaces, and cultural installations, each reflecting a careful balance of form, function, and context. We particularly enjoy the conceptualization process, which involves working with simple forms, modulation, and sketching. One of our key focuses is on projects that engage with the public realm, exploring how architecture can foster community interaction and enhance everyday experiences. Our approach always considers the social, physical, and cultural context to deliver strategic, meaningful, and functional solutions that are rich in detail and symbolism.

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

For us, architecture is an opportunity to understand and, at times, transform how people live. We see architecture as a guiding framework in society that shapes the way people inhabit this world. Architecture influences human sensory perception, impacting daily experiences. In this sense, architecture defines (or limits) freedoms, evokes emotions, and translates art into physical spaces that continuously affect us. Its importance lies in the way it shapes our lives, making architecture an essential part of the human experience and a vital force in society.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

Architecture competitions are a gift to the imagination—a uniquely human quality that allows us to envision new spatial possibilities inspired by personal experiences, aspirations, and knowledge. Participating in these competitions serves as a mental stimulus, enabling us to channel optimistic and empathetic visions into projects. They provide an opportunity to explore and express sensory-driven architecture that resonates with human emotions and experiences.

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

Our simplest advice is that opportunities belong to those who seize them. If you have ever considered entering an architecture competition, it’s likely because your mind is curious and full of ideas. Architecture competitions offer a platform to bring those ideas to life, breaking through the mental boundaries that often hold them back. It's a chance to translate stimulating visions into tangible projects and explore the creative possibilities that might otherwise remain unexplored.