‘Toldo’ table by Christian Vivanco

The juxtaposition of temporary fabric roofs in Mexico’s street markets influenced the design of ‘Toldo’, a table by designer Christian Vivanco.

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Endémico Resguardo Silvestre by Gracia Studio; photo by Luis Gracia

To prevent the development from disturbing its spectacular setting and to ‘respect nature in every possible way’, architect Jorge Enrique Gracia García along with his San Diego-based practice Gracia Studio has realised this group of 20 free-standing hotel rooms located in Baja California’s Valle de Guadalupe. At 20-square-meters each, the corten steel-clad, elegantly furnished rooms follow a concept of ’a “deluxe” camping houses, covering the guest’s basic needs, being in contact with nature and the environment.’ (more…)

'Kondo' table lamp by Christian Vivanco for Almerich

Presented earlier last month during the Feria Hábitat Valencia, this simple, geometric lamp by the Mexican designer Christian Vivanco ‘is an answer to a basic question: How can a simple and functional object convey one of the most iconic elements in oriental architecture?’ Named after Kondo - ’the centerpiece of an ancient Buddhist temple’s garan’ (a Japanese abbreviation, literally meaning ‘garden for monks’), this simple, geometric lamp is constructed from two laser-cut metal sheets and is available in two sizes; ‘Kondo XL’ and a smaller ‘Kondo S’. (more…)

Mourning House by Pascal Arquitectos; photo by Víctor Benítez

Pascal Arquitectos, the Mexico City-based practice established by brothers Carlos and Gerard Pascal in 1979, has realised this multi-award winning Mourning House located in Mexico City’s residential area of Bosques de las Lomas. Described by the architects as a ‘project with very strong emotional implications’, this modest, strikingly solemn building has been completed in 2006 and has been inspired by the Mayan tombs in Palenque and Ancient Egyptian mastabas. To comply with the strict rules and building codes of Jewish Religion, a group of scholars oversaw the project throughout its completion. (more…)

Glocal Design Magazine's exhibition booth by Row Studio

Álvaro Hernández Felix, Nadia Hernández Felix and Alfonso Maldonado, the trio behind the Mexico City-based architectural and design practice Row Studio have created this citrus-coloured temporary display for the Glocal Design Magazine’s Habitat Expo 2011 exhibition booth. Reminiscent of the recently unveiled Sevillian Metropol Parasol by Jürgen Mayer H., Row Studio’s design also encompasses a concept of grid-like structure made from multiple flowing curvilinearly-cut MDF panels. (more…)

'Beam' table lamp by Christian Vivanco

The young Mexican industrial designer Christian Vivanco has created this ‘tiny’ pine-and-plastic (thermoformed mma) table lamp. The compact geometric design accentuates the contrasting qualities of the two materials and stems from Vivanco’s interest in ‘the possible relationship between a visibly heavy object and something ephemeral and inert as light’. (more…)

'Sunset' Chapel' by BNKR Arquitectura, photo by Esteban Suárez

This chapel built on the huge granite rocks of Acapulco, Mexico lives up to the architect’s name. The Mexico City based BNKR Arquitectura (Bunker Arquitectura) recently unveiled this monolithic concrete chapel, a massive yet elegant building to mourn the passing of loved ones.

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Wooden watch by Mexican designer Jesús 4lonso

Elegant carpentry meets digital technology in Mexican designer Jesús 4lonso’s formally striking wooden watches, which eschew unnecessary functionality for timepieces that are akin almost to sculpture.

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