Arditti + RDT Arquitectos Integrate Sustainability as Ethical Philosophy in Mexican Architecture

Glocal Design Magazine's 87th edition highlights significant architectural and interior design projects in Mexico for 2025, featuring winners of the Noldi Schreck Prize. The publication examines conscious material use, regional identity, and contemporary design as ethical and cultural positions. A focus is placed on the firm Arditti + RDT Arquitectos, for whom sustainability represents a core philosophy integrating design, technology, and human dignity, rather than a passing trend. Their commitment originated from attending the 1993-94 Architecture Congress in Chicago, where they first encountered comprehensive environmental responsibility in architecture. This experience prompted them to study European movements, North American energy efficiency, and Japanese innovative structures, integrating these learnings into their practice. Their first major sustainable project was the Youth Club House at Bellavista Golf Club, which demonstrated significant reductions in LP gas and diesel use through strategic design and solar panels. The architects emphasize that optimal efficiency stems from architectural decisions like proper orientation, cross-ventilation, and shading overhangs, reducing reliance on technology. They combine these with special glass to decrease thermal load, creating timeless buildings. Sustainability also involves planning for future technological integration when budgets allow, ensuring flexibility and economic viability. For the firm, sustainability extends beyond environmental impact to enhancing human experience, affecting mood, attitude, and social interaction through natural light, ventilation, and material selection. Current projects include residential developments in Cabo, Riviera Maya, and Mexico City; the Bimbo Museum in CDMX; developments in Costa Rica; a cultural center in Miami; the Hispanic-Jewish Museum in Madrid; and the Jardín Ciba. They advocate that sustainability is an ethical responsibility crucial for the future of cities, requiring societal education alongside green construction.