The third generation : distinctively Mexican in the 21st century?

What role does cultural identity play in architecture? Does contemporary architecture allow for expression of culture? Can the architecture of today reflect the history of a place and simultaneously situate itself in the 21st century? This thesis opens up a positive relationship between culture and architecture and deems it necessary for a design to successfully root itself in the context of a place. In Mexico, culture is present in everyday life but Mexicans have long debated how to define their identity as a nation and have consistently used architecture as a medium of exploration. This thesis looks retrospectively at culture and identity throughout Mexican architectural history of the past century and critiques recent projects commissioned by Mexico’s National Council for Culture and the Arts. The findings of this research are applied to a proposed redesign of a traditional crafts market in Mexico City. Can the character of the Mexican culture inform this contemporary project?