Architecture Across the Americas: A Look at the Five Finalists of the 2025 Mies Crown Hall Americas Prize

The five finalist projects are the Centro de Investigación Mar de Cortés in Mazatlan, Mexico, by Tatiana Bilbao ESTUDIO; the Clínica Veterinaria Guayaquil in Buenos Aires by adamo-faiden; the Ecoparque Bacalar in Bacalar, Mexico, by Colectivo C733; the Pumphouse in Winnipeg by 5468796 Architecture; and the Thaden School in Bentonville, Arkansas, by Eskew Dumez Ripple, Marlon Blackwell Architects, and Andropogon Associates.

The 2025 Americas Prize honors the best work of architecture completed in North, Central, and South America between June 2022 and December 2023. The February 7 event concluded a hemisphere-spanning jury tour of sites and conversations with finalist authors, project teams, and clients. The jury began its review of hundreds of anonymously nominated projects in the spring of 2024.

The MCHAP 2025 jury includes Maurice Cox (Jury Chair), past planning director, City of Chicago; Giovanna Borasi, director and chief curator, Canadian Centre for Architecture, Montreal; Gregg Pasquarelli, founding principal, SHoP Architects, New York; Mauricio Rocha, founder, Taller | Mauricio Rocha, Mexico City, and author of the 2023 Americas Prize winner, the renovation of the Museo Anahuacalli; and Sofia von Ellrichshausen, founding partner, Pezo von Ellrichshausen, Concepción, Chile, and author of Poli House, the 2014 winner of the Prize for Emerging Practice.

The authors of the winning project, to be announced at a symposium on May 5 at the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT), will be recognized with the MCHAP Award, the MCHAP Chair in IIT’s College of Architecture, and $50,000 to fund research and a publication.

Below you can find more information about each of the five projects selected by the jury of this edition.

Centro de Investigación Mar de Cortés
Tatiana Bilbao ESTUDIO
Mazatlan, Mexico

• Primary author Tatiana Bilbao ESTUDIO (Firm), Tatiana Bilbao Spamer (CEO)
• Client Jose Luis Mogollón
• Photographer Juan Manuel McGrath, Iwan Baan, Rodrigo Chapa (concrete model)

Objective

In 2017, Tatiana Bilbao ESTUDIO were commissioned to design the aquarium to create a world-class tourism product that would generate identity and pride among local people, while also being a place to exhibit species of the Sea of Cortez and a marine life research center for the conservation and preservation of endangered species typical of aquatic ecosystems. For them, the building had to transmit to those who enter it the idea that we are part of nature and make explicit how architecture can become a means to reintegrate us into our ecosystem, allowing us, as a species, to remain on this planet. Tatiana Bilbao ESTUDIO started by imagining that the aquarium was a ruin and that the ecosystems of the Sea of Cortez had taken over. The aquarium offers an educational tour of the marine and coastal ecosystems of the Sea of Cortez through educational programs, exhibitions, laboratory, auditorium, public plazas, administrative areas, and conservation zones for endemic species. Innovatively designed to merge marine and terrestrial elements, the aquarium departs from traditional architectural norms. Large marine tanks display diverse species, encouraging visitor interaction and observation, while a conservation program focuses on the rehabilitation of marine species. The structure, spanning 17,300 square meters, features tall, thick walls of pigmented concrete, combining programmatic spaces with the surrounding landscape to achieve structural integrity. Monumental stairs lead to rooftop gardens, the central plaza is the hub for accessing various exhibition ecosystems and educational programs. The marine life support facilities are on the third level.

Context

Located in the state of Sinaloa, Mazatlan is a coastal city currently in expansion with a program of urban improvement and the creation of new quality tourism products promoted by the municipal government. One of the most important projects is the Mazatlan Central Park, a natural space strategically located in the southwest of Mazatlan, considered one of the city’s largest green lungs, covering 32.54 hectares. The park, which connects to the boardwalk and becomes part of an area with a high potential for social enjoyment, was abandoned and deteriorated; therefore, Tatiana Bilbao ESTUDIO sought to recover its ecological balance and turn it into a new tourist product of international quality that adds value to the city, including a large public park with lakes, bike paths, and walkways, connecting to Mazatlan’s boardwalk, a stadium, sports facilities, and the new aquarium: Sea of Cortez Research Center. The design of the park was done by the firm. The first stage of the project focused on the restoration of the lagoon, the regeneration and expansion of the City Forest, and the construction of the Sea of Cortez Research Center, considering that the latter would be the cornerstone of the complex. The three levels of government were involved in the aquarium construction project, as well as the private sector, the Hotel Association, and various professional and social actors. This new aquarium would replace the pre-existing one, which was located right there, and which had become obsolete and insufficient in capacity.

Performance

Mazatlan Central Park underwent a remarkable transformation in just five years, evolving from a neglected area with an outdated aquarium into a vibrant ecological space boasting a rejuvenated lagoon, mangrove swamp, and a new aquarium: Sea of Cortez Research Center. This ecological restoration breathed new life into the surroundings, marking a significant regeneration initiative for the area. The Center emerged as the centerpiece of this regeneration effort, blending seamlessly with the park’s public, natural, and cultural elements. Its unique architectural design quickly turned it into not only an iconic landmark within the city but even a national reference. Since its inauguration, the Sea of Cortez Research Center, housed within the aquarium, has garnered widespread acclaim and local pride. This is evident in its visitor numbers, surpassing initial expectations which were 550,000 visitors a year. In just eight months following its opening, from May 2023 to January 2024, the Sea of Cortez Research Center welcomed a staggering 827,064 visitors, far exceeding the old aquarium’s annual attendance of 225,000. The success of the building extends beyond its popularity, with its architecture facilitating the efficient operation of exhibition spaces and equipment. Moreover, the design successfully integrates with its surroundings, fostering harmonious connections between the natural ecosystem, social environment, and the building itself.

Clínica Veterinaria Guayaquil
adamo-faiden
Buenos Aires, Argentina

• Primary author Marcelo Faiden, Sebastián Adamo (Author)
• Client Marcelo Lerena
• Photographer Javier Agustín Rojas

Objective

Such is the case of the Guayaquil Veterinary Clinic, built from the recycling of an urban house from the beginning of the twentieth century. The demolition of its central bay—where the circulatory system was originally located—gave way to the creation of a new semi-covered passage that connects the street with a garden open to the community. A concrete floor with exposed stone designed for pets crosses this space where the vegetation and the outside climate are determining elements. The side bays organized on two levels open onto the central passage. On the lower floor they organize the store and the veterinary clinics while on the upper floor they arrange the laboratory, the X-ray room, and the operating room.

Context

The coexistence groups that inhabit the metropolises have diversified, including non-human members with new rights and responsibilities. Pets have promoted the creation of new communities that have an impact not only on the formalization of public space, but also on the buildings dedicated to providing them with services.

Performance

This action allows the materialization of ventilated walls and, at the same time, homogenizes the material history of the building, redirecting our attention towards the typological invention that the new communities demand.

Ecoparque Bacalar
Colectivo C733
Bacalar, Mexico

• Primary author Gabriela Carrillo (Partner), Israel Espín (Partner)
• Contributing author Fernando Rodríguez (Design Team), Oscar Trejo (Structural Design), Taller Nuevos Territorios (Bioremediation Strategies), Claudia Teutli and Jorge Herrera (Mangrove Restoration Strategies), Luisa Falcón (Museology)
• Client Sedatu, Secretaría de Desarrollo Agrario, Territorial y Urbano. Gobierno de México
• Photographer Rafael Gamo

Objective

The project’s main strategy is to reduce the requested program and minimize the impact of human activity on the site’s rich flora and fauna. To achieve this, the design is based on precision and lightness, with a focus on maintaining the integrity of the surrounding ecosystem. The centerpiece of the project, an squared 800-meter long pier, was designed with varying heights to avoid disturbing the mangroves while still providing visitors with an elevated view of the lagoon. The solid parts of the pier house facilities such as a research laboratory and services area, while the shade of tall trees covers an open plain. One of the project’s innovative aspects is the use of certified local wood for the structural system. This approach not only supports the local economy but also reduces the carbon footprint of the project. The efficient structural system was carefully designed to act as a column, beam, and foundation at the same time. In addition to the careful design of the pier, the landscape strategy is designed to mitigate water pollution through natural filters, depressions, rain gardens, and the rehabilitation of degraded mangroves. Additionally, the project features a museum exhibit in the form of a timeline of the unique biodiversity of the area, recorded on the wood, inviting visitors to become more aware of their environment and to conserve the site.

Context

The Bacalar Lagoon is not only the largest freshwater bacterial reef globally but also home to rare living stromatolites, representing an invaluable evolutionary treasure. Moreover, it stands as the last remaining mangrove remnant along the shores of Bacalar town, symbolizing a critical ecological asset amidst urban sprawl. The delicate balance of this ecosystem faces significant threats from urban expansion, underscoring the urgent need for conservation efforts. The preservation of the Bacalar Lagoon and its surrounding mangroves is essential not only for its ecological significance but also for its cultural and recreational value to the local community and visitors alike.

Performance

The Ecoparque Bacalar has become a vital community hub, facilitating connections between residents and visitors while fostering a deeper appreciation for nature. Its social management approach has ensured that the space remains accessible to all, promoting inclusivity and a sense of ownership among the local population. Beyond providing a tranquil retreat in the midst of urban expansion, the park has sparked interest in environmental conservation and stewardship among visitors. The museological project has proven to be particularly interesting for visitors about the importance of preserving the local ecosystem, leading to increased awareness and engagement with conservation efforts. By prioritizing an open and public design, the park has seamlessly blended into its natural surroundings, enhancing the quality of life for nearby residents while adding value to the community as a whole. Through its design and conservation-focused approach, the Ecoparque Bacalar has explored standards for sustainable development, ensuring the protection of ecosystems for future generations. There, an opportunity arises to heal past actions and present afflictions with minimal yet spatially impactful actions, settling lightly and logically in a territory deemed crucial for preservation.

Pumphouse
5468796 Architecture
Winnipeg, Canada

• Primary author Sasa Radulovic (Partner-in-Charge, Design Architect)
• Contributing author Scatliff Millar Murray (Landscape Architect), Laverge Draward & Associates (Structural Engineer), MCW Consultants Ltd. (Mechanical Engineer, Electrical Engineer & Civil Engineer), Crosier Kilgour (Energy Consultant), GHL Consultants Ltd. (Building Code Consultant)
• Client Alston Properties
• Photographer James Brittain

Objective

Two interventions made the project viable: repurposing the capacity of the original gantry crane rails to suspend a “floating floor” above the equipment below; and proposing an ultra-thin residential block on the 40-foot sliver of land between the pumphouse and street. Unlocking these two potentials, along with a larger residential building on the opposite end of the pumphouse, made the project financially feasible and socially meaningful.

In contrast to previous revitalization attempts, the pumping equipment on the ground floor remains clear of complicated programming. A flexible office floor plate is suspended above by maximizing the bearing capacity of the original gantry crane rails. New skylights bring natural light deep into the expansive space and put the machinery on display. All entrances from the ground floor encounter these layers of history before reaching any newly built components, letting heritage form the visitor’s experience.

Elevated on columns extending the gantry crane structural grid are two self-standing, mid-rise residential buildings. The north and south elevations are defined by open-air stairwells, offering vistas to the city, river, and park. Open-air egress transforms nondescript interior corridors to vibrant exterior passageways: weaving within and around the buildings, they become an extension of the suites, encouraging a sense of shared ownership over communal spaces—a feat of building code problem-solving. Employing a “skip-stop” configuration, access to suites on every other floor is within the unit itself, significantly increasing efficiency and lowering embodied and operational energy, as well as enabling through-suites with cross ventilation and natural light from two directions.

Context

Slated for demolition after fourteen failed attempts to revive Winnipeg’s historic James Avenue Pumping Station, 5468796 developed an unsolicited conceptual design paired with a financial pro-forma and presented the business case to an existing client, connecting them with the City as an owner and eventually leading to the building’s successful preservation through private investment.

The new approach considers the pumphouse a “found object,” using the existing building’s structural properties while proposing an expansive and diverse public realm weaving into the fabric of the Exchange District National Historic Site. The project is composed of two residential blocks flanking the historic pumphouse building repurposed as an office and restaurant.

Each of the residential blocks are carefully offset from the Pumping Station, creating new “lanes” as an extension of the existing urban structure—respecting the original envelope, resonating with the human scale, and expanding the ground floor commercial frontages. The massing configuration creates interstitial public corridors on every level, highlighting connections between old and new: barrier-free access points are nestled along pathways between the pumphouse façade and new residential entrances, and within, moments of compression and expansion feature two outdoor amphitheaters, public plazas, and two foot bridges circulating residents between the residential blocks and the heritage building, enabling a variety of entrance conditions and occupancy configurations. The weaving nature of these passageways are a reflection of the winding streets that define the Exchange District. Articulated connections foster community integration, celebrating the latent vitality of this previously abandoned infrastructural project.

Performance

This multi-faceted, mixed-use development is the first proposal on the site that has gained the support of the community at large, the neighboring condominium complexes and the historic buildings committee at the City of Winnipeg.

Focusing on unlocked potential in the preservation of the 100-year-old building facing demolition, rehabilitation was the first step towards creating a sustainable future for the site. Repurposing the gantry lifts structure to support a new floor of flexible office space offers new views onto the machinery below, further enhanced by floor-to-ceiling glazing. Standardized spacing of steel studs and stiffening bars as both glazing and ceiling support cuts the glazing thickness in half, and doesn’t require specialists to install—in turn, speeding up construction, making it more affordable, and reducing its embodied carbon by half. The commercial unit at ground level mirrors this strategy and offers restaurant visitors unique views of the Great Pump Hall.

The residential buildings are made possible through design solutions that fundamentally rethink market-driven multifamily housing efficiency targets, turning the typology inside-out. Promoting pedestrian movement, circulation becomes more than a way to get around: passageways now present a new type of public space, embedding and connecting covered plazas / bleachers and communal “balconies” directly into the walkways, weaving between new and old. Further, the “skip-stop” configuration creates dual-aspect shotgun apartments and democratizes increased daylight and cross ventilation for all suites. Within, 100-year-old Nail Laminated Timber (NLT) is used as the floor / ceiling structure, taking precedent from warehouse construction in the area.

Thaden School
Eskew Dumez Ripple, Marlon Blackwell Architects, and Andropogon Associates
Bentonville, Arkansas, United States

• Primary author Marlon Blackwell (Founder at Marlon Blackwell Architects), Steve Dumez (Design Director at Eskew Dumez Ripple), Andropogon Associates (Landscape Architect)
• Contributing author Engineering Consultants, Inc. (ECI) (Structural Engineer), Ecological Design Group (Civil Engineer), CMTA Consulting Engineers (MEP Engineer), Milestone Construction (Construction/ Contractor)
• Client Thaden School
• Photographer Timothy Hursley

Objective

The Thaden School project emerges from a comprehensive understanding of its needs and aspirations, encapsulating a visionary spatial program that seamlessly integrates both interior and exterior spaces. The spatial layout is meticulously crafted to adhere to the vision that the school might provide a learning environment beyond benchmarks and standards, a place where landscape and buildings might work together in a closed loop of production and consumption—the goal being not to just outperform comparable buildings but rather to tell a story about building performance that would invite users to understand systems in play at every scale.

The innovative “Wheels,” “Meals,” and “Reels” program pedagogy of Thaden always envisioned a curriculum where students would apply what they learned in the classroom outside the classroom in hands-on application. In this spirit, school leadership looked to supplement student experiences with participation in local community programming. For this reason, the master planning process was kicked off with a gathering of nearly thirty individuals from the school’s leadership, the design staff, and more than a dozen community and nonprofit organizations.

Architecturally, the campus blends contemporary design with local agricultural elements, paying homage to the region’s heritage and fostering a sense of community. Material, structural, and construction innovations enhance sustainability, including reclaimed materials and geothermal wellfields. Environmental objectives drive the project, focusing on ecological restoration, water conservation, and stormwater management. The campus serves as a living laboratory for native plants and sustainable practices, fostering outdoor education and community engagement.

Context

The Thaden School project embodies a profound connection with its site and surroundings, epitomizing a holistic approach to education and community engagement. Situated in Bentonville, Arkansas, amidst the captivating Ozark landscape, the school stands as a vibrant cornerstone within the urban fabric. Its location within this unique setting, characterized by a rich agricultural heritage and diverse ecosystems, profoundly influences both its design and mission.

A crucial question emerged during the design planning process: how does one responsibly become part of a growing urban environment, and simultaneously create the vast open space needed to connect children with a longstanding regional agricultural identity?

Early on, the design team took precedents from local vernacular, particularly the idea of the regional farmstead and latched onto an idea for the campus of the “urban pastoral.” This idea meant that the campus would seamlessly marry a modern notion of urban development as a catalyst for energizing cities and a historical respect for agricultural elements from the local vernacular.

This initiative represents a collaborative effort, bridging the ethos of an independent school with a commitment to community partnership. The Thaden School initiative transcends mere physical infrastructure to become a catalyst for urban revitalization. Strategically positioned within Bentonville’s downtown area, the school serves as a vital link connecting various districts and fostering engagement with the broader community. Through proactive collaboration and inclusive programming, both within the school and with external stakeholders, Thaden School embodies a vision of education as a catalyst for social and environmental progress.

Performance

The Thaden School campus has significantly exceeded expectations in its initial period of use. The project’s holistic approach to design, integrating educational philosophy with sustainable architecture and community engagement, has yielded remarkable results. Energy and environmental performance have surpassed initial modeling, with the campus achieving a 70% greater efficiency compared to similar schools. This translates not only to substantial cost savings but also to a reduction of over 1,400 metric tons of CO2 emissions annually, equivalent to the environmental impact of 150 homes or 300 passenger cars.