FAST FORWARD
AIA LATAM
Mexico City
February 6th, 7th, and 8th, 2025
From February 6 to 8, Mexico City became the epicenter of architectural innovation and discourse as it hosted the "Fast Forward" Congress. Organized by AIA LATAM in collaboration with Universidad Anáhuac, the event brought together leading Latin American architects at the distinguished Mexiquense Auditorium of Universidad Anáhuac. The congress served as a moment of reflection and collaboration, shedding light on the future of architecture in the region.
The congress featured a lineup of renowned Latin American architects who shared their expertise and visionary perspectives on sustainability and the application of technology in architectural projects. Through insightful discussions and presentations, attendees gained a deeper understanding of how these key elements are shaping contemporary design and construction practices across Latin America.
We were honored by the presence of steemed professionals, including FGMF from Brazil, Daniel Bonilla from Colombia, and Damian Vinson from Argentina. Mauricio Rocha, Agustin Landa, and David Lizárraga from Populous offered a fascinating deep dive into stadium construction, detailing the complexities and considerations behind designing these monumental structures.
The event also welcomed Michel Rojkind, Augusto Quijano, Alba Cortés and Soledad Rodriguez from Tatiana Bilbao Studio, Fernando Romero, and Carlos Glatt. A dedicated panel on interior design, led by Mayara Maia, Nadja Borras, Sofia Aspe, Ingrid Schejtnan and Gina Rosete, further enriched the discourse.
A highlight of the event was the presence of the esteemed Sir David Adjaye, who captivated the audience with his profound approach to architecture—one that emerges from the heart and embodies kindness. In his lecture, he intricately wove together his personal history, cultural heritage and his architectural philosophy, inspiring those in attendance. As part of the congress, Sir David Adjaye was honored with the prestigious Mario Pani Award, granted by the Faculty of Architecture in recognition of his outstanding career and contributions to the field. This moment marked a significant acknowledgment of his influence on global architecture.
Sir David Adjaye
The congress also explored the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence in architecture, discussing how AI can be harnessed to benefit the industry while preserving creativity and cultural identity. Additionally, a special talk was given by Juan Pablo Serrano and his father, Francisco Serrano, a father-and-son duo who have made history in Mexican architecture. They shared insights on the evolution of the field and their intergenerational perspectives on design.
Beyond the enriching presentations and discussions, one of the most valuable aspects of "Fast Forward" was the sense of community it fostered among architects. The opportunity to engage with colleagues, exchanging ideas, and build connections reinforced the importance of collaboration in shaping the future of architecture. The congress successfully provided an inspiring and thought-provoking platform, paving the way for future innovations and partnerships in the industry.
Jorge Arditti, AIA, CAM-SAM
AIA Latin America President, Mexico Country Representative
