Felipe Mesa
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Mail code: 1605Campus: Tempe
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Felipe Mesa is a Founder member and Principal in PLAN: B Architects, a design practice based in Medellin, Colombia. During the last 20 years, he has built over 50 buildings with different programs and scales: public spaces, sports and educational buildings, hotels, offices, houses, and art installations. PLANB's work has been selected and exhibited in various venues: Colombian Architecture Biennial, Ibero-American Architecture Biennial, Chicago Architecture Biennial, Biennial of the Americas, Pamplona Latin American Architecture Biennale; and has been published and disseminated in specialized magazines and digital websites: A+U, Architectural Review, Lotus, Domus, Abitare, Arquitectura Viva, Archdaily, Architizer, Designboom. www.planbarq.com
Mesa is an Associate Professor in The Design School (Architecture Program) at Arizona State University. Before this appointment, he was an Assistant professor in the architecture programs of some Universities in Colombia: Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana (UPB) in Medellin; Pontificia Universidad Javeriana (PUJ) in Bogota, Universidad de Los Andes in Bogota; and he was Ivan Smith Eminent Visiting Professor at the University of Florida School of Architecture (SoA) - 2014.
Felipe understands the architectural project as a provisional pact, a permeable configuration, and a positive expression of the eco-social constraints surrounding us. His projects and research topics related to the practice and teaching of architecture have been published in 4 books by Mesaestandar Editors: Acuerdos Parciales (2005), Awaiting Architecture (2007), Permeability (2013), Architecture in Reverse (2017); one book by AR+D Publishing: 12 Projects in 120 Constraints (2021); and one book by ORO Editions: Design Build Studios in Latin America (2023).
•2014-2015. MArch Arquitectura: Crítica y Proyecto, Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana, Medellin, Colombia. Thesis: "Permeability". Professors: Mauricio Gaviria and Jorge Mario Gómez.
•2000-2001. Professional and Academic Training, Arquitectura: Crítica y Proyecto, Universidad Politécnica de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain. Professors: Josep Quetglas and Eduardo Arroyo.
•1993-1998. BArch, School of Architecture, Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana, Medellin, Colombia. Graduate Design thesis distinction, "Cuatro Templos y un Palacio", Chair Jorge Pérez Jaramillo, Professor of Architecture.
•Constraints in Architecture and creative disciplines.
•Design-Build Studios and teaching through social agendas.
•Latin American architecture.
•Tropical architecture and "Permeability" in architecture.
Books
12 Projects in 120 Constraints. Felipe Mesa and Federico Mesa (co-authors), San Francisco: AR+D Publishing, 2021. (Peer Reviewed)
Architecture is not what it seems/Architecture is a habit. Felipe Mesa, Federico Mesa, Miguel Mesa, Juan David Diez, Emerson Marín, Ricardo Vazquez, Catalina Patiño, Viviana Peña, Antonio Yemail, Sebastian Mejía, Edgar Mazo, María Paula Vallejo (co-authors), Medellin: Mesaestandar, 2020.
Architecture in Reverse. Felipe Mesa and Federico Mesa (co-authors), Medellin: Mesaestandar, 2018.
Nubes de Madera. Felipe Mesa and Miguel Mesa (co-authors), Medellin: Mesaestandar, 2017.
Set Theory. Felipe Mesa, Federico Mesa, Miguel Mesa, Juan David Diez, Antonio Yemail, Manuel Villa, Catalina Patiño, Viviana Peña, Sebastian Mejía, Edgar Mazo. (co-authors), Medellin: Mesaestandar, 2016.
Permeability. Felipe Mesa and Federico Mesa (co-authors), Medellin: Mesaestandar, 2013.
Four Sport Facilities. Felipe Mesa and Giancarlo Mazzanti (co-authors), Medellin: Mesaestandar, 2010.
Archipelago. Felipe Mesa, Federico Mesa, Miguel Mesa, Juan David Diez, Camilo Restrepo, Luis Callejas, Sebastian Mejia, Edgar Mazo, Viviana Peña, Catalina Patiño (co-authors), Medellin: Mesaestandar, 2010.
Awaiting Architecture. Felipe Mesa, Medellin: Mesa Editores, 2007.
Acuerdos Parciales. Felipe Mesa and Alejandro Bernal (co-authors), Medellin: Mesa Editores, 2005.
Conference Proceedings
“Clouds of Wood: A Colombian Design Build Experience.” Paper presented at the “Schools of Thought: Rethinking Architectural Pedagogy” Conference, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, March 2020.
Magazines and Websites
“Click Clack Hotel, Medellin”. Dezeen architecture website, 2020, UK. https://www.dezeen.com/2020/06/03/hotel-click-clack-medellin-planb-arquitectos-colombia-architecture/
“Bar Sánchez.” Archdaily architecture website, 2020, USA. https://www.archdaily.co/co/937290/bar-sanchez-plan-b-arquitectos?ad_source=search&ad_medium=search_result_all
“House in Envigado.” Archdaily architecture website, 2020, USA. https://www.archdaily.com/923650/casa-en-envigado-plan-b-arquitectos?ad_source=search&ad_medium=search_result_all
“Click Clack Hotel, Medellin”. Published in 3 illustrated pages, Hinge magazine # 9, 2020, Hong Kong, China.
“Landscape as Urbanism in the Americas, Orquideorma.” Published in 12 illustrated pages, NESS.docs magazine # 2, 2020, USA.
“Click Clack Hotel, Medellin”. Published in 18 illustrated pages, PLOT Magazine Special Edition # 52, 2020, Argentina.
“Zebrano Housing Building.” Published in 12 illustrated pages, PLOT Magazine Special Edition # 8, 2017, Argentina.
“Zebrano Housing building.” Published in 8 illustrated pages, Summa Magazine # 155, 2017, Argentina.
“Puerto Triunfo Community Center”. Published in 6 illustrated pages, Summa Magazine # 157, 2017, Argentina.
“Puerto Triunfo Community Center”. Published in 10 illustrated pages, PLOT magazine # 36, 2017, Argentina.
“Embera School”. Published in 6 illustrated pages, Radical 50 Arquitecturas Latinoamericanas. Miquel Adriá – Andrea Griborio (Eds) Arquine, 2016, Mexico.
“Embera School.” Published in 6 illustrated pages, Summa Magazine # 151, 2016, Argentina.
“4 Sports Facilities”. Published in 6 illustrated pages, Arquitectura Viva Magazine # 138, 2014, Spain.
“Plan:b in four projects: Skyline Cloud, BO House, C4 House, Click Clack Hotel ”. Published in 50 illustrated pages in PLOT magazine # 17, 2014, Argentina.
“Click Clack Hotel, Bogotá”. Published in 8 illustrated pages, Summa Magazine # 136, 2014, Argentina.
“Santo Domingo Kindergarten”. Published in 12 illustrated pages, C3 Magazine # 343, 2013, Korea.
“V House.” Published in 6 illustrated pages, Summa Magazine # 126, 2013, Argentina.
“Santo Domingo Kindergarten”. Published in 20 illustrated pages in PLOT Magazine Special Edition # 2, 2012, Argentina.
“Sudamérica Doméstica, M house”. Published in 8 illustrated pages, PLOT Magazine Special Edition # 1, 2012, Argentina.
“4 Sports Facilities and Flor del Campo School”. Published in 10 illustrated pages, LOTUS magazine, 2011, Italy.
“Recent work in Colombia, Four Sports Halls,” curated and written by Michael Webb. Published in 12 illustrated pages, Architectural Review Magazine # 1368, 2011, UK.
“4 Sports Facilities”. Published in 10 illustrated pages, Details Magazine # 22, 2010, Korea.
“plan:b´s Manifesto.” Published in 5 illustrated pages, Domus Magazine # 934, 2010, Italy.
“Orquideorama and 4 Sports Facilities”. Published in 10 illustrated pages, Domus Magazine # 937, 2010, Italy.
“Orquideorama”. Published in 10 illustrated pages, Atlas (Arquitecturas del siglo XXI – América) Luis Fernández-Galiano (Ed), 2010, Fundación BBVA, Spain.
“Flor del Campo School and 4 Sports Facilities”. Published in 14 illustrated pages, Abitare Magazine # 504, 2010, Italy.
“4 Sports Facilities”. Published in 8 illustrated pages, C3 Magazine # 318, 2010, Korea.
“4 Sports Facilities”. Published in 8 illustrated pages, Arquine Magazine # 53, 2010, Mexico.
“Plan:b projects: Orquideorama, Parque de la Vida, Social Pavilion, Flor del Campo School, Four Sports Halls.” Published in 40 illustrated pages in PLOT magazine # 02, 2010, Argentina
“Orquideorama.” Published in 12 illustrated pages, C3 Magazine # 295, 2009, Korea.
“Orquideorama.” Text by Cathelijne Nuijsink. Published in 6 illustrated pages, MARK Magazine # 21, 2009, Netherlands.
“Orquideorama.” Published in 6 illustrated pages, Arquitectura Viva Magazine # 125, 2009, Spain.
“Orquideorama.” Published in 10 illustrated pages, Ecologik Magazine # 04, 2008, France.
“Orquideorama.” Published in 8 illustrated pages, Abitare Magazine # 482, 2008, Italy.
“Iberoamérica: Emerging Architecture”. Published in 10 illustrated pages in 2G Dossier Iberoamérica, 2007, Magazine, Spain.
“Orquideorama.” Published in 6 illustrated pages, Arquine Magazine # 40, 2007, Mexico.
Courses
2025 Spring
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| ARC 402 | Architecture Studio II |
| ARC 494 | Special Topics |
| ARC 598 | Special Topics |
| ARC 494 | Special Topics |
| ARC 598 | Special Topics |
2024 Fall
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| ADE 592 | Research |
| ARC 601 | Adv Architecture Studio III |
2024 Spring
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| ARC 402 | Architecture Studio II |
| ARC 494 | Special Topics |
| ARC 598 | Special Topics |
2023 Fall
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| ARC 601 | Adv Architecture Studio III |
2022 Fall
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| ARC 101 | Architecture Project I |
| ARC 501 | Advanced Architecture Studio I |
| ADE 592 | Research |
2022 Spring
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| ADE 422 | Architectural Studio IV |
| ADE 422 | Architectural Studio IV |
| ADE 622 | Adv Architectural Studio IV |
| ADE 422 | Architectural Studio IV |
| ADE 622 | Adv Architectural Studio IV |
2021 Fall
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| ADE 521 | Adv Architectural Studio I |
| ARC 101 | Architecture Project I |
| ARC 101 | Architecture Project I |
| ARC 101 | Architecture Project I |
| ALA 394 | Special Topics |
| ALA 394 | Special Topics |
| ALA 394 | Special Topics |
| ARC 101 | Architecture Project I |
| ALA 394 | Special Topics |
| ADE 592 | Research |
2021 Spring
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| ADE 422 | Architectural Studio IV |
| ADE 622 | Adv Architectural Studio IV |
| ADE 622 | Adv Architectural Studio IV |
2020 Fall
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| ADE 521 | Adv Architectural Studio I |
2020 Spring
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| ADE 422 | Architectural Studio IV |
| ADE 422 | Architectural Studio IV |
| ADE 622 | Adv Architectural Studio IV |
| ADE 622 | Adv Architectural Studio IV |
Awards/Biennials
2021 Faculty Design Award Honorable Mention. ACSA Awards 2021 (Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture). “2 Projects in 12 Constraints”. USA
2020 Selected, Architecture Project category -Click Clack Hotel-, 27 Colombian Architecture Biennial, Cartagena, Colombia.
2018 Selected, Architecture Project category -Siete Vueltas School-, 25 Colombian Architecture Biennial, Armenia, Quindío, Colombia.
2014 Selected, IX Ibero-American Biennial of Architecture and Urbanism Award for: “Santo Domingo Kindergarten,” granted by BIAU and the Ministry of Housing of Spain, Rosario, Argentina
2012 National Prize, Architecture Project category -Flor del Campo School-, 23 Colombian Architecture Biennial, Armenia, Quindío, Colombia.
2012 Selected, VIII Ibero-American Biennial of Architecture and Urbanism Award for: “4 Sports Facilities”, granted by BIAU and the Ministry of Housing of Spain, Cadiz, Spain
2010 First Prize, Public Competition for the design of modular Schools, Cartagena. Organized by FONADE, Bogotá, Colombia
2010 First Prize, International and Public Competition for 4 Sports Facilities, South American Games. Organized by INDER and Medellín Municipality, Colombia
2009 Selected, Latin-American Biennial of Architecture, granted by BAL Pamplona, Spain
2008 Selected, VI Ibero-American Biennial of Architecture and Urbanism Award for: “Orquideroama at the Medellín Botanical Garden,” granted by BIAU and the Ministry of Housing of Spain, Lisboa, Portugal
2005 First Prize, Public Competition for the design of the new Orquideorama of the Botanical Garden, Medellín, Colombia
2005 First Prize, Private Competition for the design of the Hontanares School, Organized by Evolucionar S.A. Medellín, Colombia
Exhibitions
2018 Collective Exhibition. Plan:b Models, “Wunder – Kammer, La cámara del Príncipe”. Museo El Castillo. Curator: Lucrecia Piedrahita. Plan:b Architects, Medellín, Colombia
2015 Temporary Installation “Hollow Trunk.” Chicago Architecture Biennial: The State of the art of Architecture. Curators: Joseph Grima and Sarah Herda. Plan:b Architects, Chicago, USA
2013 Temporary Installation “Skyline Cloud.” Biennial of the Americas: Draft Urbanism. Curators: Carson Chan, Paul Andersen, and Gaspar Libedinsky. Plan:b Architects, Skyline Park, Denver, USA
2013 Temporary Installation “Permeability”. LIGA, Architecture Gallery. Curators: Ruth Estevéz, Wonne Ickx, Carlos Bedoya, Victor Jaime, Abel Paredes. Plan:b Architects, Ciudad de México, México
2007 Individual Exhibition “Partial Agreements.” Alianza Colombo-Francesa Gallery. Curator: Juan Pablo Ortiz. Plan:b Architects, Bogotá, Colombia.
•Sociedad Colombiana de Arquitectos
•Grupo Archipiélago de Arquitectura. Colombia.
Professional Credentials
2003 Licensed and registered Architect at Professional Architects Council of Colombia
Built Projects
2018-2021 Design and Construction overseeing “Bahra Hotel,” built area 6.000 m2, Construction Budget US$ 5.000.000, Commissioned by Hoffman. Plan:b Architects, Joao Pessoa, Brasil
2019-2020 Design and Construction overseeing “House in La Siria,” built area 220 m2, Construction Budget US$ 160.000, Commissioned by The Owner. Plan:b Architects, Amagá, Antioquia, Colombia
2019-2020 Design and Construction overseeing “House in Cartagena,” built area 250 m2, Construction Budget US$ 300.000, Commissioned by The Owner. Plan:b Architects, Cartagena, Colombia
2019-2020 Design and Construction overseeing “House in Sopó,” built area 250 m2, Construction Budget US$ 200.000, Commissioned by The Owner. Plan:b Architects, Sopó, Cundinamarca, Colombia
2018-2019 Design and Construction overseeing “Click Clack Hotel – Medellín,” built area 10.000 m2, Construction Budget US$ 8.000.000, Commissioned by Monkey Business Group. Plan:b Architects, Medellín, Colombia
2018-2019 Design and Construction overseeing “Antejardín – Office Building”, built area 14.000 m2, Construction Budget US$ 9.800.000, Commissioned by Trazos Urbanos S.A.S. Plan:b Architects, Medellín, Colombia
2018 Design and Construction overseeing “House in Envigado 2”, built area 300 m2, Construction Budget US$ 210.000, Commissioned by The Owner. Plan:b Architects, Envigado, Antioquia, Colombia
2017-2019 Design and Construction overseeing “Bar and Restaurant Sanchez,” built area 734 m2, Construction Budget US$ 1.000.000, Commissioned by The Owner. Plan:b Architects, Bogotá, Colombia
2017-2018 Design and Construction overseeing “House in La Esperanza,” built area 300 m2, Construction Budget US$ 210.000, Commissioned by The Owner. Plan:b Architects, Envigado, Antioquia, Colombia
2017 Design and Construction overseeing “House in Sajonia,” built area 300 m2, Construction Budget US$ 150.000, Commissioned by The Owner. Plan:b Architects, Rionegro, Antioquia, Colombia
2017 Design and Construction overseeing “House in Pontezuela,” built area 500 m2, Construction Budget US$ 350.000, Commissioned by The Owner. Plan:b Architects, Rionegro, Antioquia, Colombia
2015-2017 Design and Construction overseeing “Zebrano – Housing Building,” built area 6.972 m2, Construction Budget US$ 4.800.000, Commissioned by Rios Constructores. Plan:b Architects, Medellín, Colombia
2106 Design and Construction overseeing “House in Envigado,” built area 500 m2, Construction Budget US$ 350.000, Commissioned by The Owner. Plan:b Architects, Envigado, Antioquia, Colombia
2015-2016 Design and Construction overseeing “Miguel Valencia School,” Elementary and High Schools, built area 1.530 m2, Construction Budget US$ 1.000.000, Commissioned by Fundación Fraternidad Medellín. Plan:b Architects, Jardín, Antioquia, Colombia
2015-2016 Design and Construction overseeing “Chaparral School”, High School, built area 995 m2, Construction Budget US$ 700.000, Commissioned by Fundación Fraternidad Medellín. Plan:b Architects, San Vicente, Antioquia, Colombia
2015-2016 Design and Construction overseeing “Siete Vueltas School”, Elementary and High Schools, built area 1.776 m2, Construction Budget US$ 1.200.000, Commissioned by Fundación Fraternidad Medellín. Plan:b Architects, San Juan de Urabá, Antioquia, Colombia
2015-2016 Design and Construction overseeing “San Vicente Community Center,” built area 1.000 m2, Construction Budget US$ 700.000, Commissioned by VIVA. Plan:b Architects, San Vicente, Antioquia, Colombia
2015-2016 Design and Construction overseeing “Puerto Triunfo Community Center,” built area 1.000 m2, Construction Budget US$ 700.000, Commissioned by VIVA. Plan:b Architects, Puerto Triunfo, Antioquia, Colombia
2015-2016 Design and Construction overseeing “Select – Office Building,” built area 5.290 m2, Construction Budget US$ 3.700.000, Commissioned by Rios Constructores. Plan:b Architects, Medellín, Colombia
2015-2016 Design and Construction overseeing “House in Santa Fé,” built area 595 m2, Construction Budget US$ 416.500, Commissioned by The Owner. Plan:b Architects, Santa Fé, Antioquia, Colombia
2015-2016 Design and Construction overseeing “House in El Tablazo,” built area 500 m2, Construction Budget US$ 350.000, Commissioned by The Owner. Plan:b Architects, Rionegro, Antioquia, Colombia
2015 Design and Construction overseeing “El Carmelo School”, Elementary and rural School, built area 168 m2, Construction Budget US$ 100.000, Commissioned by Fundación Fraternidad Medellín.Plan:b Architects, Montebello, Antioquia, Colombia
2014-2015 Design and Construction overseeing “Embera School”, Elementary and High Schools, built area 1.305 m2, Construction Budget US$ 1.000.000, Commissioned by Fundación Fraternidad Medellín. Plan:b Architects, Vigía del Fuerte, Antioquia, Colombia
2012-2015 Design and Construction overseeing “Click Clack Hotel - Bogotá,” built area 4.500 m2, Construction Budget US$ 3.600.000, Commissioned by Monkey Business Group. plan:b Architects, Bogotá, Colombia
2012-2013 Design and Construction overseeing “Santo Domingo Kindergarten,” built area 1.500 m2, Construction Budget US$ 1.000.000, Commissioned by The Medellín Municipality. Plan:b Architects, Medellín, Colombia
2013 Design and Construction overseeing “House in La Ceja,” built area 120 m2, Construction Budget US$ 84.000, Commissioned by The Owner. Plan:b Architects, La Ceja, Antioquia, Colombia
2012-2013 Design and Construction overseeing “House in La Acuarela,” built area 300 m2, Construction Budget US$ 210.000, Commissioned by The Owner. Plan:b Architects, Envigado, Antioquia, Colombia
2010-2011 Design and Construction overseeing “House in Río Cedro,” built area 250 m2, Construction Budget US$ 100.000, Commissioned by The Owner. Plan:b Architects, Río Cedro, Córdoba, Colombia
2010-2011 Design and Construction overseeing “House in Medellín,” built area 360 m2, Construction Budget US$ 252.000, Commissioned by The Owner. Plan:b Architects, Medellín, Colombia
2010 Design and Construction overseeing “Pajarito Community Pavilion,” built area 100 m2, Construction Budget US$ 50.000, Commissioned by Camacol. Plan:b Architects, Medellín, Colombia
2009-2010 Design and Construction overseeing “Flor del Campo School,” Elementary and High School, built area 3.000 m2, Construction Budget US$ 2.000.000, Commissioned by Ministry of Education and FONADE. Plan:b Architects (In collaboration with Mazzanti Architects), Cartagena, Colombia
2009-2010 Design and Construction overseeing “4 Sports Facilities for the South American Games”, built area 30.694 m2, Construction Budget US$ 21.000.000, Commissioned by The INDER. Plan:b Architects (In collaboration with Mazzanti Architects), Medellín, Colombia
2009-2010 Design and Construction overseeing “Chairama SPA,” built area 1.200 m2, Construction Budget US$ 1.000.000, Commissioned by Chairama SPA. Plan:b Architects (In collaboration with Mazzanti Architects), Bogotá, Colombia
2009 Design and Construction overseeing “San Antonio de Prado Kindergarten,” built area 1.500 m2, Construction Budget US$ 1.000.000, Commissioned by The Medellín Municipality.Plan:b Architects (In collaboration with Ctrlg Architects), Medellín, Colombia
2009 Design and Construction overseeing “Pajarito La Aurora Kindergarten,” built area 1.500 m2, Construction Budget US$ 1.000.000, Commissioned by The Medellín Municipality.Plan:b Architects (In collaboration with Ctrlg Architects), Medellín, Colombia
2008 Design and Construction overseeing “House in Sopó1”, built area 250 m2, Construction Budget US$ 200.000, Commissioned by The Owner. Plan:b Architects, Sopó, Cundinamarca, Colombia
2006-2007 Design and Construction overseeing “Hontanares School” Elementary and High Schools (2 phases completed), built area 4.000 m2, Construction Budget US$ 1.500.000, Commissioned by Evolucionar S.A. Plan:b Architects, El Retiro, Antioquia, Colombia
2006-2007 Design and Construction overseeing “Orquideorama,” built area 4.200 m2, Construction Budget US$ 2.000.000, Commissioned by the Botanical Garden of Medellín. Plan:b Architects, Medellín, Colombia
2005-2006 Design and Construction overseeing “Industrial Facility Gráficas Diamante,” built area 2.500 m2, Construction Budget US$ 400.000, Commissioned by Mensula. Plan:b Architects, Medellín, Colombia
2021 HIDA Research Council committee member
2020-present Graduate Committee for the Curriculum, member, Arizona State University
2020 Jury member, 2020 Ideas Competition, Reconnect, AIA Phoenix Metro.
2020 Jury member, School of Thought Competition, UNYT competitions. http://competitions.uni.xyz