“As the youngest on the program, it was inspiring to see upperclassmen be so comfortable exploring the city on their own. After navigating the Mexican public transit, exploring different coffee shops in the mornings and wandering to different areas of a historical site to sketch by myself, I've developed more confidence in my ability to navigate unfamiliar places,” said Sabrina Li, an architecture major who participated in the Landscapes and Architecture of Mexico: Mexico City Study Tour program over spring break.
Students on the program learn about the culture, ecology and history of the city through visits to archaeological sites, landscapes and buildings.
“Every place has its own architecture shaped from culture, environment and history. Being there in person allowed me to fully take in those differences visually and spatially. Experiencing the city firsthand helped me observe how people interact with spaces and how design responds to its surroundings. That kind of presence pushed me to think more critically and reflect more deeply than I would be able to from afar,” said Li.
In addition to site visits for reflection and sketching, the group heard lectures from local architects and met with experts about the city for a deeper historical context.
“This experience encouraged me to think more about the relationship between architecture and the environment. In Mexico City, I was struck by how greenery is successfully integrated into the city through parks, buildings and urban spaces, creating a strong connection between two worlds. Moving forward, I want to incorporate more greenspace into my own work and design with greater environmental awareness, considering how architecture can support both people and the ecosystems around it.”
Although Li said it was hard to narrow down her favorite moments from the trip, activities with new friends on the program made her time memorable.
“It's hard to narrow down so many wonderful memories, but I loved attending a lucha libre fight and spending time with friends. I also played two very intense rounds of Jenga with friends at this super cool coffee shop with the tastiest elote con queso empanada that really tied together the whole trip.”