In a recent interview, celebrated Mexican architect Gabriela Carrillo delved into the guiding principles of her architectural practice, particularly her work with Colectivo C733. She articulated her perspective on architecture not merely as a structural endeavor, but as a potent instrument for establishing profound connections between individuals and their surroundings. Her reflections spanned the intricate art of designing public spaces, the symbiotic relationship between architectural forms and land art, and the critical importance of acknowledging existing contexts during spatial transformation. Carrillo champions an optimistic approach, viewing architecture as a dynamic force that shapes and enriches human experience.
Carrillo's distinguished career has been marked by numerous international accolades, extensive publications, and significant exhibitions. Having initially collaborated with Mauricio Rocha, she established her own studio, Taller Gabriela Carrillo, in 2019. Her practice is characterized by a multi-scalar approach, consistently prioritizing the concept of spatial dignity and a deep sensitivity to both social and natural environments. Beyond her professional projects, Carrillo actively disseminates her design philosophy through her academic commitments, teaching at UNAM's Faculty of Architecture and other esteemed institutions globally, including Harvard GSD, Kent State University, and the WAVE program in Venice. This dedication to education and mentorship aligns seamlessly with her belief that every interaction and relationship contributes to one's growth and perspective.
Her profound interest in public and collective projects stems from a deliberate engagement with challenging contexts, where she seeks to address societal needs through architectural interventions. Carrillo views these projects as a strategic dimension of architectural practice, demanding both innovative decision-making from designers and a strong capacity to forge meaningful ties with the surrounding community and stakeholders. This collaborative ethos was recognized when Colectivo C733 received the OBEL Award 2024 for their ambitious series of 36 multi-sector urban regeneration projects across Mexico. She profoundly states that in public space design, architects must relinquish a degree of ownership, seeing their creations as a foundational 'canvas' to be completed and enriched by the people who inhabit them.
Furthermore, Carrillo's design philosophy is deeply rooted in how architecture facilitates human interaction and how spatial alterations can influence these dynamics. This perspective extends to the relationship between people and the natural world, a concept beautifully embodied in her Eco Parque Bacalar project in Mexico. This initiative features a pathway designed to allow visitors to observe the mangroves and celestial bodies in Laguna Bacalar, a freshwater bacterial reef of immense ecological and cultural significance. She underscores the project's dual value as a place for both appreciation and environmental education, highlighting how architecture can narrate the rich history and ecological importance of a site.
Beyond these thematic explorations, the interview also navigates the fascinating intersection of architecture and art, drawing inspiration from figures like Olafur Eliasson, Damián Ortega, and Gabriel Orozco. Carrillo reflects on the sculptural qualities inherent in architecture, particularly its ability to manage mass and interact with ephemeral elements such as wind, light, and geometric forms. For those eager to delve deeper into her innovative work, additional insights can be found in the documentary 'Women in Architecture,' where she is featured alongside renowned architects Toshiko Mori and Johanna Meyer-Grohbrügge, or through a detailed examination of the architectural system that underpins Colectivo C733's collaborative endeavors.