April 2025 | VOL 14
‘FUTURE ARCHITECTURE will be MORE INTERTWINED with NATURE’
words Laura Cottrell & Onur Basturk
photo credit Rory Gardiner (Copas), Rafael Gamo (Las Golondrinas + Zarzales + Tlalpuente + Casa Roca)
ZARZALES
Bring nature to the forefront, even shaping the architecture around it... It sounds simple in theory, but in practice it's quite a challenge. Mexico City-based PPAA (Pérez Palacios Arquitectos Asociados), founded in 2018 by Pablo Pérez Palacios, is one of the rare studios that achieves this in every project. We spoke with Palacios about this unique architectural approach, which prioritizes ideas over forms, and other insights.
TLALPUENTE
What is your design language as PPAA, and which materials best embody this philosophy?
Our design language is rooted in the concept of creating an architecture of ideas rather than forms. It is an approach where concepts are inspired by nature and natural materials become integral to our architectural vocabulary. We emphasize the use of materials that respond to the context of the site, ensuring that our projects remain respectful of their surroundings and reflect the inherent beauty of nature. This approach underscores our commitment to designing spaces that harmonize with their surroundings while maintaining a strong conceptual foundation.
Can we say that the architecture of the future will feature more houses in harmony with nature or incorporating natural elements?
Absolutely. It’s inevitable that future architecture will be more deeply intertwined with nature. Architecture can no longer be viewed as separate from its environment; instead, it must strive to maintain a harmonious and balanced relationship with it. This means not only integrating natural elements like vegetation but also addressing factors such as climate, rainfall, and local ecosystems in the design process. The future of architecture will require a thoughtful, adaptive approach, prioritizing coexistence with nature at every stage—from conception to completion.
Do you have any other predictions for the future of architecture? What might happen?
I foresee a future where technology will evolve beyond being a tool for construction methods; it will become a means to respect, preserve and coexist with the natural environment. As technology advances, it will provide innovative solutions that allow architecture to adapt more seamlessly to its surroundings, ensuring that built structures do not compromise but rather enhance the natural landscapes they inhabit.
CASA ROCA
THE ROCK WAS DISCOVERED DURING CONSTRUCTION, AND WE DECIDED TO PRESERVE IT FOR BOTH ITS AESTHETIC APPEAL AND CONCEPTUAL SIGNIFICANCE
You describe Copas as a project rooted in respect for nature. Could you elaborate on this? What measures were taken in the project to honor that respect, and what ideas were put into practice?
Nature has always been our primary source of inspiration, and our ultimate goal is to create environments that echo the unique atmospheres found in natural settings. For the Copas project, we started by carefully considering the site itself, with particular attention to the tree canopies. The location’s dramatic topography inspired us to design a series of platforms that integrate the various program elements, allowing users to experience the space at the height of the trees. This approach preserved the majority of the existing trees while incorporating the natural rock formations as key architectural features. By respecting and enhancing the natural landscape, we ensured minimal disruption to the environment.
Copas stands out with its distinct platforms, including the terrace. What was the intent behind this design?
The platform design wasn't just a deliberate stylistic choice but rather a natural response to a deep understanding of the site and its topography. By creating a series of platforms, we were able to adapt to the terrain, using it to our advantage. These elevated exterior spaces rise to the height of the tree canopies, offering an experience that feels like floating among the trees. This approach fosters a deep connection with nature while allowing the architecture to seamlessly blend into its surroundings.
In the Copas project, the rock in the middle of the courtyard feels like a work of art. Was this planned beforehand, or was it added during the project?
The rock was discovered during the construction process and we immediately decided to preserve it as an essential element of the project. It was retained not only for its aesthetic value, but also for its conceptual significance. The rock is a perfect example of how our architecture seeks to engage with nature, and demonstrates our commitment to incorporating natural features as integral components of our designs, rather than altering or removing them.
LAS GOLODRINAS
THE MATTE BLACK COATING WAS INTENDED TO MINIMIZE THE ARCHITECTURE’S PERCEPTION AS A DISTINCT, ISOLATED OBJECT
In the Las Golondrinas project, you covered the house with a matte black coating called Corev Mooth. What was the reason for this design choice?
The intention behind using the matte black coating was to reduce the perception of the architecture as a distinct, isolated object. Black, like white, is never purely monochromatic; it changes and interacts with light and its natural surroundings, taking on different hues depending on the lighting conditions. This treatment allows the architecture to recede, making it less of a protagonist and shifting the visual focus to the natural environment, allowing the surrounding landscape to retain its prominence.
COPAS
