Helping Develop Mexico: The Public Works of a Role Model for Architects

Christopher Ramirez/Staff Writer 

As future architects, students may find it hard to develop a focus they’re most interested in, from options such as interior design or landscape architectural studies.

Students may also be uncertain of working for private organizations, public communities or a mix of both. From these sectors, it can also be difficult to choose an architect to draw inspiration from.

FIU’s Miami Beach Urban Studios invites architects and hosts exhibits to give students a resource to better address their uncertainties.

The most recent architect to present their work at MBUS is the award-winning architect, Rozana Montiel, who focuses her architectural work on the public sector of her home country, Mexico.

Montiel presented her work at MBUS’s new exhibit on Jan. 16, named “BLANK THINKING SHEETS.”

With all the mathematics, design studies and constant feedback and stress on their work, an aspiring architect can forget the merit or mission of being an architect.

Montiel elaborated on her experience and role as an architect.

“If a Mexican person were to be asked what they want to see more of, they may say they need pavement or light, but you have to go deeper to bring out the best from what they are saying. As architects, it is our mission to go further than what is asked of you,” said Montiel. 

Henry Rueda, the organizer for the exhibition and an FIU professor of architecture, elaborates on Montiel’s work to better understand the concepts behind the designs.

“Rozana Montiel has a strong interest in social justice, community engagement, inequality and urban challenges,” said Rueda. 

Her work in the public sector does not focus on what’s most expensive, but what maximized utility. This concept helps further develop Mexico and attracts investors.

“I prefer to work locally and implicate sustainability. I believe that, first, one should start locally and then it can be globalized,” she said.

Montiel believes that one should also look towards other mediums for inspiration.

“I get really inspired by the other disciplines in art, like movies or poetry, to gain information,” she said.  

Open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at 420 Lincoln Rd. Suite 440, Miami Beach, FL 33139. Free. Exhibition runs through Apr. 10.