Paola Masera + Campos Studio and [H] Arquitectos, among the winners of the Region V / FCARM 2023 Architecture Biennial

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The Region V association of the Federation of Architects of the Mexican Republic (FCARM) issued a call for entries for the "Second Biennial: Living Architecture." The event aims to identify, recognize, and promote the best architectural works, publications, research, and theses by architects from Region V, which comprises the states of Baja California Sur, Nayarit, Jalisco, Sinaloa, and Colima.

The jury consisted of architect David Ignacio Rojas Escárrega (Alternate Councilor of the International Union of Architects) and Mónica Arellano (Editor of ArchDaily Mexico). The decision and awards ceremony took place on September 1 at the Instituto Tecnológico de Estudios Superiores de los Cabos (ITES), attended by local municipal authorities and presidents of the Region V Association of Architects of the Mexican Republic (A.C.).

Read on to discover the winning projects.

First Place

La Ventana / Paola Masera + Campos Studio

"Built in 2020, this project serves as a winter residence for a couple in Baja California Sur. Located on a plot with ocean views just meters from the beach, it is ideal for kitesurfing. Its core concept is based on the visual and structural separation of two levels, where the upper floor appears to float above the ground floor. The house stands as a sustainable refuge in a desert region. Screens and west-facing walls allow winds to flow through the structure, lowering indoor temperatures and minimizing the need for active cooling systems. A north-facing terrace acts as a shield against the area's strong characteristic winds, establishing thermal balance and comfort year-round."

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Second Place

Ciudades Hermanas / [H] Arquitectos

"Located on the waterfront, the entire park pays tribute to the incredible view through platforms that adapt to the contours of the natural terrain while playing with whimsical shapes that define its character. A reflecting pool, a gym, and a basketball court that doubles as an art piece are set alongside landscaped areas designed for families to gather. On the final platform, concrete walls seem to emerge from the topography to create small pavilions containing service spaces for the park, such as the administrative office, restrooms, and other small commercial spaces. Between the platforms, circulation is facilitated by *tucuruguay* ramps, making the park accessible to everyone. Facing the water, as if trying to merge with the sea, is a large plaza for open recreation. This space has become a key gathering point for residents of Mazatlán, who enjoy fairs and concerts on garden steps that mimic the natural hillside. The overall complex dances with the movement of the sun, painted in pinks and oranges at sunset."

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Third Place

El Cielo / [H] Arquitectos

"Set in the heart of Mazatlán, the 'Pearl of the Pacific,' this development represents a major departure in the design of residential subdivisions in the city. Spanning 53 hectares, this innovative layout occupies the slopes of a hill facing the sea, offering exceptional views. The architecture complements the landscape rather than competing with it, making the natural surroundings a primary component of the concept. Sinuous streets follow the contours of the mountain. The careful design of sidewalks, bike paths, and pedestrian walkways ensures smooth, step-free navigation for pedestrians despite the site's slopes. In collaboration with landscape experts, the complex integrates with nature, framing endemic plant species to create a lush palette of life and color. It features a 2.5-hectare ecological reserve at the top of the hill, various parks, green areas, sports facilities, amenities, and the Cardones Club, where the buildings silently and proudly frame the natural landscape through their native materials."

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Honorable Mentions

Casa de Danny

"Located in the Historic Center of Puerto Vallarta, this project reinterprets historical elements alongside Puerto Vallarta's contemporary architecture. The design integrates three residential apartments and a versatile space designed for children with autism. Through a meticulous approach, the architecture team successfully balanced historical memory with spatial flexibility, resulting in a functional and emotionally enriching space. The core of this project is rooted in the use of regional materials, such as clay and terracotta roof tiles, evoking the area's rich cultural heritage. These elements not only offer an aesthetic rooted in local history but also ensure efficient thermal regulation and a connection to the environment. The facades, clad in bioclimatic screens, facilitate control over sunlight and ventilation."

Evaluation of the Governance of Peri-Urban Land-Use Planning in Housing Complexes. Case Studies: Manzanillo, Colima and La Paz, B.C.S. / Lizeth Guadalupe Barreda Aguilar

"In Mexico, the way peri-urban land-use planning governance has been implemented has promoted fragmented urban sprawl through the production of massive housing complexes. This approach benefited the market economy at the expense of meeting basic social needs, applying a standardized model of family and space in housing policies and programs at the federal level. This thesis evaluates how peri-urban land-use planning governance has been implemented to ensure basic social needs are met within these housing developments."

For more information, visit Region V FCARM.