Pratt Institute architecture student Guillermo Garza discusses the Han River project he designed during his field trip to Seoul, Korea. His idea has always been to work in favor of the environment.
“When we do architecture, we have to think about using the resources that are there and not only to make a building but also to reinforce the culture that already exists there and the people who are going to use that structure. It is not only something beautiful but something that will be used by the community,” Garza explained.
It is an idea connected to the life and desert climate of his hometown, Saltillo, Mexico, from where he immigrated with his family to San Antonio, Texas in 2007.
From a very young age, Garza works with his father laying floors and in construction while he learned art from his mother, a muralist.
“It kind of combines everything and I say well, I’m already very inspired by the art side and the construction side to be an architect.”
Garza began his studies at San Antonio Community College. One day, students from Pratt came to talk about technology in the Architecture department. Garza applied for and obtained different scholarships to start her degree in 2019, which she says changed her life.
“Well, coming here it was a completely different role, it was 3D technology, 3D printers, robots and everything, so from there I was inspired and I can create whatever I want”.
To connect with Latino and non-Latino students, Garza joined the National Organization for Minority Architecture Students, NOMAS. A year ago, he was elected president of the organization and wants to continue helping his community with mentoring and providing professional connections so that more Latinos are interested in this profession.
“The important thing is to be there, meet people, go to events and ask questions.”
According to data from the National Board for Architectural Accreditation, only 8.5% of architects in the nation are Hispanic or Latino. To those who dream of studying architecture, Garza says:
“Well, I would tell them that wherever you are from, from Mexico, from Latin America, your work deserves to be around the world, that is, it is at the same level.”
For more information about the scholarships available at Pratt Institute, you can visit the website pratt.edu/scholarships
2023-08-07 18:40:00
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