This is BRAVE Architecture.

Recently I've been asked to photograph this project designed by Brave Architecture. This little jewel is a police station located in Houston's Police Memorial Park, very close to downtown and Buffalo Bayou. The function of this program is to host officers 24/ 7 that are guarding the park and the Memorial that honor Houston's police force and the officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty. 

Brave Architecture, lead by Fernando Brave, FAIA, is one of the most prestigious firms in the city, reason why I feel deeply honored by them inviting me to capture their work.

www.bravearchitecture.com

Source: http://www.ayalavargas.com/photography/#/m...

Photographing LSU Hilltop Arboretum, Lake Flato architects →

Last month, I've been asked by Lake Flato architects to photograph this beautiful project they did for Louisiana State Univesity in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. An addition to their original project was finished recently. I was struck by the beauty of this place and how perfectly the building blends with its environment. Users are constantly flowing through spaces and all kind of activities are going on, like wedding photo sessions, seminars for elementary students, families enjoying a break or people walking their dogs.

Pictures don't make justice to this place. This is truly a must visit project if you are in the area.

To see more photos click here: http://www.ayalavargas.com/lsu-hilltop/

The World Sends Us Garbage, We Send Back Music

Lack of resources is just a lame excuse not to get results. It must trigger our creativity to create the best of us.

An eskimo builds with ice, the only resource available to them. (Angelo Bucci)

The Landfillharmonic in Cateura, Paraguay builds musical instruments out of garbage, allowing students of the community to learn music against all impediments their surrounding environments presents. My deepest respect and congratulations to Maestro Favio Chavez and his team for this huge accomplishment.

Please watch the TED talk video about Landfillharmonic here: 
http://tedx.amsterdam/talks/the-world-sends-us-garbage-we-send-back-music-favio-chavez-at-tedxamsterdam/

#landfillharmonic #cateura #musicwithgarbage

#ODA15 Jose Cubilla and Javier Corvalan among 15 best "en español" architecture

My very good friends and colleagues Jose Cubilla and Javier Corvalan were selected as two of the 15 finalist of ODA15 award. This year, 1000 other buildings were considered and nominated by public vote and only 15 were shortlisted.

A massive achievement for Paraguayan architecture and immense pride for my friends's deserved recognition. Congratulations!

#ODA15 #ParaguayanArchitecture #ArchDaily

#ODA15 #ParaguayanArchitecture #ArchDaily

Source: http://www.plataformaarquitectura.cl/cl/76...

#ODA15 Joseto Cubilla y Javier Corvalan votados entre las 15 mejores obras del 2014

Un orgullo de la arquitectura paraguaya, de entre 1000 obras construidas que participan en la premiación, 15 son seleccionadas finalistas de las cuales 2 son arquitectos paraguayos, José Cubilla y Javier Corvalan.

Enhorabuena a mis buenos amigos y colegas! 

#ODA15 #PlataformaDeArquitectura #ArquitecturaParaguaya

Source: http://www.plataformaarquitectura.cl/cl/76...

The American Institute of Architects elected paraguayan Solano Benitez as Honorary FAIA 2012 #aia

Old news but worth sharing...

My dear friend and mentor Solano was bestowed one of the highest honors when selected by the AIA (American Institute of Architects) to be Honorary FAIA in 2012. 

The Fellowship program was developed to elevate those architects who have made a significant contribution to architecture and society and who have achieved a standard of excellence in the profession. Election to fellowship not only recognizes the achievements of architects as individuals, but also their significant contribution to architecture and society on a international level.

 

Source: http://www.aia.org/practicing/awards/2012/...

How should we design libraries of the future? Our theme lecture at CIES Chile 2014, with Taryn Kinney and Stantec

SHW Group merges with Stantec

We'll be part of a community that unites more than 13,000 talented employees working in over 200 locations.

So what's changing? The combined creativity and innovation we'll be able to bring to  projects! With SHW's reputation and expertise in education and Stantec's global resources and strength, we'll be able to provide  added value. Our coming together will allow us to make a more profound impact on education and society as a whole. We will make an even greater difference through design.

Stantec's mission is to design with communities in mind. They have the unique ability to connect to projects on a personal level and advance the quality of life in communities across the globe. Given education is essential to the social and economic advancement of every community, it's a natural fit for SHW to bring leadership in education to Stantec. We're really excited to become part of a Company that cares as much about communities as we do.

Visit stantec.com and you'll see first-hand how Stantec designs with communities in mind.