Architecture connects: Architects Marketing Group trip Mexico City and Oaxaca
 
Between History and Innovation: Learning from Mexico City

Richard recently travelled to Mexico City with the Architects Marketing Group  for a series of intensive workshops exploring the intersection of marketing and artificial intelligence within architectural practice.
Hosted in Roma, one of the city's most vibrant districts, the visit offered an opportunity to engage not only with emerging ideas around practice and communication, but with the architectural and cultural fabric of Mexico City itself. 

A vast and complex metropolis, the city is shaped by its unique geography: sitting on a former lakebed, surrounded by mountains and volcanoes. This layered history is reflected in its architecture, where indigenous, colonial, and contemporary influences coexist.

Group of six people posing at night on a bridge with a lit cathedral in the background.

Social Value and Material Reuse

Alongside the workshops, the group visited a number of local practices. A consistent theme across these studios was a strong commitment to social value, with many architects actively engaged in community-led projects, including social housing and the adaptive reuse of existing buildings.

One notable example was the transformation of a former ice factory into a working studio by Javier Sánchez Arquitectos. The project demonstrated a considered approach to reuse, embedding circular economy principles while responding sensitively to the local climate. At over 2,000 metres above sea level, Mexico City benefits from relatively stable temperatures, allowing buildings to operate with reduced reliance on mechanical cooling: a fabric-first response to environmental performance.

Other projects reflected similarly inventive responses to urban challenges. Proposals such as cable car infrastructure to alleviate congestion highlighted the scale of th e city’s transport pressures, while offering pragmatic and forward-thinking solutions.

Industrial loft interior with wooden stage seating, exposed brick walls, and high ceiling beams

Spatial Composition and Creative Environments

The visit also included a number of significant cultural sites, including Casa Wabi's gallery space, the house of Luis Barragán, and the home of Frida Kahlo. These spaces offered distinct interpretations of live-work environments, demonstrating how architecture can support creativity through light, material, and spatial composition.

Across the city, the quality and accessibility of public space stood out. Institutions such as the National Library provided generous, well-used environments that support both civic life and individual reflection, reinforcing the importance of openness and inclusivity in urban design.

White-and-blue boat on a sandy shore with a bird in the water and driftwood in the background


Following the time in Mexico City, Richard travelled briefly to Oaxaca on the Pacific coast. In contrast to the capital, the region offered a markedly different built environment and pace of development.



White canoe on calm river beside mangrove trees under a blue sky


The coastal settlements are defined by low-rise, lightweight structures that respond directly to the climate and landscape. Materials appear immediate and locally sourced, with a visible absence of large-scale infrastructure or dense urban planning.


Although the visit was shorter and less architecture-focused, it reinforced how context, climate, and culture fundamentally shape the built environment.


Aerial view of a coastal bay with turquoise water, sandy beaches, and a hilly shoreline town.

Public Architecture and Cultural Narrative

The trip concluded with a visit to the Anthropology Museum, a landmark building defined by its central column and expansive canopy. The architecture plays a central role in shaping the visitor experience, guiding movement through Mexico's history: from indigenous civilisations to Spanish colonisation and earlier migration patterns.

 Oaxaca: Climate, Material, and Context
Tall indoor atrium with stacked metal walkways and two people walking on the floor below
Modern courtyard with a central walkway, low stone buildings, and a large canopy under a clear sky


Richard noted it as an exceptional example of public architecture, where scale, materiality, and spatial sequencing work together to create an environment that is both informative and immersive. The depth of content requires careful navigation, and visiting with a guide is recommended to fully appreciate both its historical and architectural significance.


Stone relief of stylized animal faces and geometric carvings on a reddish temple wall


As the visit came to an end, the city was preparing for the upcoming World Cup, with visible investment in infrastructure and development. Ongoing construction at the airport reflected a city in transition, balancing growth with its rich cultural identity.

Recent Blogs

By Richard Dudzicki • November 4, 2026
SOUNDS FROM THE OVEN: EPISODE 1 OUT NOW! In the first episode of Sounds from the Oven, RDA founder Richard Dudzicki joins James Armstrong, founder and director of Ideal Land, to discuss the practical challenges of bringing small and constrained sites forward for housing. 
By Richard Dudzicki • September 16, 2026
How Do You Retrofit a Victorian House Without Losing Its Character?
Modern home patio with outdoor seating, covered terrace, and tall greenery in front of a brick facade
By Richard Dudzicki • July 10, 2026
How we keep an EnerPHit home cool during a heatwave?

Ask an expert


Book a free consultation today with Richard Dudzicki, RDA's director, founder and lead architect.


Ease your mind and take the first step towards your future home with confidence. No commitment, flexible timings.

Book now
By Richard Dudzicki • November 4, 2026
SOUNDS FROM THE OVEN: EPISODE 1 OUT NOW! In the first episode of Sounds from the Oven, RDA founder Richard Dudzicki joins James Armstrong, founder and director of Ideal Land, to discuss the practical challenges of bringing small and constrained sites forward for housing. 
By Richard Dudzicki • September 16, 2026
How Do You Retrofit a Victorian House Without Losing Its Character?
Modern home patio with outdoor seating, covered terrace, and tall greenery in front of a brick facade
By Richard Dudzicki • July 10, 2026
How we keep an EnerPHit home cool during a heatwave?
By Richard Dudzicki • July 2, 2026
London Festival of Architecture: Small sites and Big Belonging with RDA, Guided Tour