Lanza Atelier, a Mexico City-based studio founded in 2015 by Isabel Abascal and Alessandro Arienzo, has rapidly distinguished itself in the architectural and design world. With a team of six, the studio's extensive portfolio encompasses everything from bespoke furniture and engaging exhibitions to innovative residential projects and public pavilions. Their work is characterized by a profound dedication to craftsmanship, a collaborative approach, and a keen awareness of local contexts. This commitment allows them to push the boundaries of conventional design and explore new architectural possibilities.
Isabel Abascal, originally from Spain, brings a diverse educational background to the studio, having studied architecture at the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Technische Universität Berlin, and the Vastu Shilpa Foundation in Ahmedabad. Alessandro Arienzo, a Mexican architect, completed his studies at the Universidad Iberoamericana in Mexico City. Beyond their practice, both partners are actively involved in architectural education and have received numerous accolades, including the prestigious Emerging Voices Award 2023 from the Architectural League of New York. Their upcoming Serpentine Pavilion project further cements their reputation as influential figures in contemporary architecture, embodying what they describe as a new generation of Mexican architects.
One notable project, the Charred Wood Base Pavilion in Mexico (2025), exemplifies their innovative use of materials. This temporary structure in Mexico City employed the traditional Japanese Shou Sugi Ban technique to char its plywood, resulting in a distinctive dark finish. Designed for Base arts agency, its semi-enclosed, tilted form and corrugated plastic roof make it an adaptable space for events, easily assembled and disassembled, showcasing Lanza Atelier's flair for both aesthetics and functionality.
The Caracol House in Cancun, Mexico (2025), is another testament to their creative integration of natural elements. Commissioned by a client passionate about the ocean, the house features sea-snail shells embedded within its concrete surfaces. Designed for privacy, the living spaces are arranged around voids and patios, framed by concrete and limestone walls, creating an introspective and serene environment that harmonizes with its coastal surroundings.
The A10 Pavilion in Mexico (2025) demonstrates the studio's ability to create dynamic public spaces. This eight-meter-tall structure in a Mexico City shopping center features rain chains along its perimeter, lending it a vibrant, living quality. A reflective pool at its core, overlooked by a wooden bench and an elevated walkway, transforms the pavilion into a tranquil urban retreat.
Beyond architecture, Lanza Atelier excels in furniture design, as seen in "A Family of 4" (2024). This chair collection, inspired by the arrival of the founders' second son, consists of four chairs of varying heights. While appearing traditional, they are designed for versatile use by all family members across different scenarios, promoting interaction and adaptability. This collection has since been acquired by the Denver Art Museum.
Their exhibition design for "Re-Source at Storefront" in the USA (2021) highlighted principles of sustainability and repurposing. Plywood tables and stools, designed to be disassembled and gifted to visitors, underscored the importance of material reuse. This project reflected their belief in creating designs with an extended lifecycle, minimizing waste and maximizing utility.
The Folding Chair (2021) collection further illustrates their innovative approach to furniture. Crafted from MDF with fabric joints, these chairs can fold flat, transforming into abstract sculptural objects. This design was recognized on the longlist for the Dezeen Awards in 2021, underscoring its unique blend of form and function.
In the realm of public installations, "1973-2021 at Concéntrico" in Spain (2021) involved three colossal circular benches in Logroño's civic square. These installations, with diameters of 20, 30, and 40 meters, aimed to humanize the expansive public space and encourage social interaction, paying homage to accessible public buildings.
The Forest House in Mexico (2019), situated within a pine forest near Mexico City, integrates nature seamlessly into its design. The brick-and-concrete residence's form is guided by the surrounding trees, featuring a curved corridor bordered by a brick lattice that offers filtered views of the natural landscape, blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces.
Their Community Center Pavilion in Mexico (2018), a collaborative effort with TO and Alberto Odériz, was built from low-cost stabilised-earth blocks in Mexico City's Parque Lincoln. A walkway led visitors across a pond to this pavilion, which was designed to be dismantled and repurposed in the reconstruction efforts following the 2017 earthquake in Ocuilan, highlighting their commitment to community and resilience.
Lanza Atelier's inaugural official project, Public Toilets and Kiosks in Ecatepec, Mexico (2015), transformed functional public facilities into engaging architectural elements. Located along a seven-kilometer bike path, these semi-open structures, built from concrete blocks and filled with planting, created small oases in an otherwise harsh environment. This project also saw them advocate for all-gender bathrooms, pushing social boundaries through design.
Collectively, these projects demonstrate Lanza Atelier's mastery in integrating diverse design principles—from material innovation and contextual sensitivity to social engagement and sustainable practices. Their work not only stands out for its aesthetic appeal but also for its thoughtful consideration of the user experience and its broader impact on communities and the environment. Through their multifaceted approach, Isabel Abascal and Alessandro Arienzo are consistently redefining the landscape of contemporary architecture and design.