Based in Mexico City, Enrique Tovar brings a multidisciplinary approach to architecture and editorial work shaped by his interest in history, society, art, and craftsmanship. His early experiences in a context where architecture is often self-built or negotiated gave him a nuanced understanding of the built environment as something fluid and evolving with use. This perspective naturally led him to editorial work, which he sees as an extension of architectural practice—one that captures the complexities and tensions that may not be visible in traditional design processes.
As Sponsored Team Editor at ArchDaily, Enrique explores the critical intersections between materials, construction systems, technology, and software. He is especially interested in how these elements influence contemporary architectural practices and the ways in which inclusive and universal design principles can expand the field's reach. His editorial focus encourages environments that respond to diverse bodies, experiences, and modes of inhabiting space, promoting architecture that challenges conventional norms and embraces broader social concerns.
Enrique pays close attention to global demographic shifts and their implications for architecture, particularly in rapidly growing regions such as Africa and the Middle East. He sees these places as vital contributors to the future of architecture, offering knowledge grounded in rich cultural traditions. His work aims to challenge prevailing misconceptions and provide a platform for emerging perspectives that are often overlooked.
Through his editorial career, Enrique has learned to navigate the fast-paced evolution of architectural discourse and media consumption. He believes that editors must remain open and curious, helping connect new generations of architects and thinkers to fresh ideas and multidisciplinary approaches.
Read on to learn more about Enrique's perspective and journey.
What first sparked your interest in architecture — and what led you to editorial work?
I came to architecture with a quiet interest in history, society, art, and craftsmanship, gradually realizing how these areas connect. At first, I focused mainly on designing projects, but over time, I realized they held layers to uncover, beyond just a built structure. Growing up in a place where spaces are often self-built or negotiated influenced me to see architecture as something that evolves with use. From this perspective, editorial work naturally became part of my approach, helping me capture ideas and tensions that don't always fit into traditional narratives. Now, I see it as another way to practice architecture.
What do you look for when deciding whether a project or topic is worth publishing?
I'm interested in what's being addressed—and who might be left out in the process. I often wonder how that same building would change if it were built in another country, by a different team, or with half the budget. Some architectural expressions quietly challenge the usual focus on luxury, speed, investment, or technology as the ultimate solutions. I find value in slowness, repair, and vernacular knowledge. In architectural media, it's the same—the real contribution often lies not in showing more and more, but in shedding light on what moves slowly and usually goes unnoticed.
Is there a project or story you've published that particularly resonated with you — and why?
My favorite story is "How Do the 7 Principles of Universal Design Help Us Create Better Architecture?" While these principles aren't new, their adoption has been relatively limited, which is why inclusive design is a recurring theme for me. Even though we live in a diverse society, architecture has long been shaped by specific ways of thinking—whether bodily, ideological, cultural, or economic—that have tended to define who is considered and who isn't. Today, I believe the voices that move beyond those traditional frameworks deserve more attention, as many of them can lead us toward new and necessary directions.
What shifts or emerging trends in architecture are you paying close attention to right now?
I'm very intrigued by the change in population dynamics worldwide and the impact this could have on our society. Although it is not a central trend in architecture, it will be key in its development. We're already starting to see signs of this: regions such as Africa and the Middle East, where populations are growing, are gaining an increasingly visible voice. This represents an opportunity to challenge certain misconceptions and provide space for knowledge rooted in long-standing traditions. I believe that, in the future, regions that have managed to preserve their cultural heritage will be able to offer valuable answers to the challenges ahead.
What's something you've learned from your editorial work that continues to shape how you see architecture?
What motivated me to study architecture shaped my most significant learning. Today, it maintains an equally clear multidisciplinary focus, but with ever-faster communication and new areas that were not previously explored. The world is moving in that direction, even as professionals enter industries that, at first glance, may not seem related. Students and emerging architects today have a much wider field to explore, and they can do so quickly. As editors, we must be open to this reality: new generations consume information at a much faster rate, and we need to be sensitive to that change, while also discovering unexpected connections.
This profile is part of the series "Voices of ArchDaily," a dedicated space highlighting the people behind our content team—their interests, experiences, and professional journeys.
