For the Fall 2010 semester I was invited to teach two architectural studio classes at Centro de Estudios Superiores de Diseño de Monterrey (CEDIM) located in Monterrey, Mexico. I had the honor of teaching the 3rd semester students their first architectural studio class, and 9th semester students their last architectural studio class before they do their thesis. The topics of the studios were Public Spaces and Social Housing respectively. For each class we had a main project with a local client and an international competition submission, related to the class topic, that was also completed. I especially enjoyed the opportunity that the local projects afforded us, allowing myself and the students to visit and engage with nearby communities. Often for the students it meant learning about social classes and neighborhoods that are different from their own. One of the challenges we faced was the lack of a common physical space, in which the students could work outside of class, or where materials could be left and shared. To face this challenge I created blogs for each class as a means for the students to at least have a common virtual space where they could share information and ideas outside of class. While the younger students did not embrace this tool, the older ones were very quick to utilize it.
Their blogs can be visited via these links: Social Housing Studio, Public Space Studio.
More information about the projects completed by each class can be read in separate articles, found in the sidebar menu.