Jose Castillo: a|911 — Concepts of a Plan

Abstract

Jose Castillo, Mexico City-based architect/urbanist and Chair of the Department of Architecture at Cornell, will speak about his current disciplinary interests, concerns, and preoccupations, both as they relate to his practice a|911 but also to pedagogy and broader historical and contemporary issues. By connecting ideas and experiences, readings and travel, multiple scales and techniques in their urban, infrastructural, and architectural work, Castillo will address the myriad ways of operating as agents of change in the built environment while remaining critical and aware of the consequences of our actions.

Biography

Jose Castillo is a cofounding principal and codirector alongside Saidee Springall of the architecture and urban planning office a|911. Their practice takes a multidisciplinary approach to architecture, urban design, mobility, and urban planning projects such as the expansion of the Spanish Cultural Center in Mexico City, the ARA Lázaro Cárdenas housing project, the Elena Garro Cultural Center, the Valentín Gómez Farías Pilares in Mexico City, and Providencia multi-family housing in Guadalajara. In addition, Castillo has taught extensively in Mexico, Spain, and the US, including at  Harvard GSD, the University of Pennsylvania, Tulane University, and the University of New Mexico. He holds a bachelor's degree in architecture from the Universidad Iberoamericana in Mexico City as well as a Master of Architecture and Doctor of Design degree from the Harvard GSD.