Our work aimsto show thatour society needs a new architecture:one that has theability tosolve problems, notcreate them,one that providespractical solutionsthat are economically feasible, but alsoan architecture that transcends the merelyutilitarian.When we think about architecture, there are some important concepts we reflect on:recycling, reusingthe obsoleteand the reclaimingdegradedstructures,spaces and landscapes. We like to reuse the existing and take it further:tosee what othersdo not see,reclaimingthe obsolescent.
We arepart of anew architectural sensibility thathas these strategiesasstarting point, rejectingthe artistificationof architectureas well asits transmutation intoa productformassconsumption.
Luis Castillo. AA Dip./COAA
Luis Castillo was born in 1970 and studied architecture at Madrid School of Architecture (ETSAM) and the Architectural Association School of Architecture (AA) completing his diploma in 1995. He worked in several practices in Spain and Holland.
In the year 2000 he established his own office in Almeria, Spain. His built work includes public buildings, as well as a series of small scale projects and single family houses.
In the last few years, he has been involved in a number of small scale projects concerning the restoration of singular buildings.
His work has been published in Spanish architectural publications like Pasajes de Arquitectura, Diseño Interior and ARV as well as international journals like DETAIL, C3, Metamorphose and Casabella.
Mercedes Miras-Varela. ETSAS /COAA
Mercedes MIras studied architecture at Seville School of Architecture (ETSAS) completing his diploma in 1997.
She has been in private practice in Almeria, Spain since 1.998.
Her built work involves public buildings like a Center for Old Age People and a residence for the mentally disabled.
She has developed several restoration projects like the Conversion of a XVIII century building into the Andalucía Photography Museum and the Restoration of a Tower in Huercal-Overa.
Lately she has been working for the Andalucía Regional Government as a consultant and public participation manager for a number of projects involving the refurbishment of social housing and urban spaces in socially troubled areas..