Andrea Dena Esquivel, Winner of the 5th Youth Jamboree FCARM 2026.

Andrea Dena, an Architecture student at Universidad Panamericana, Aguascalientes campus, participated on May 21 and 22 in the 5th Youth Jamboree FCARM 2026. During this event, she collaborated with students from various architecture schools across the country in a team-based workshop. The group she belonged to emerged as the winner of the activity. Afterward, we asked her a few questions about her experience, and here is what she shared with us:

1. You won first place at the 5th Youth Jamboree FCARM 2026. What was your experience participating as an architecture student?

“For two days, we had the guidance of highly accomplished architects, each with different ways of understanding the discipline. Their advice and strategies helped us face the challenges of the event and enriched our learning. Interaction with students from different states was also key: each contributed a unique vision of architecture, which led us to question our own ideas and broaden our horizons. That diversity of perspectives made the experience both academic and human, strengthening the way we conceive the profesión”.

2. What was your impression of engaging with renowned architects such as Enrique Norten? Tell us what it was like to interact with them.

“What stood out most about architects like Mauricio Rocha, Enrique Norten, Francisco Serrano, Augusto Quijano, and Félix and Javier Sánchez was their humility, despite their impressive careers. When asked what advice they would give to those of us just starting out, they emphasized the importance of cultivating passion and understanding the social impact of architecture. They reflected on how a building must integrate into its context and contribute to public space, creating connections that strengthen the city. Their words showed that a solid career requires time, perseverance, and accumulated experiences, reminding us that we are only beginning a journey full of learning and challenges”.

3. Briefly tell us about the project that earned you first place.

“The challenge was to design vertical social housing for 180 inhabitants per hectare on a site assigned by lottery. Our approach was to begin with an analysis of the context and the real needs of the community, convinced that architecture must emerge from the outside in. The proposal included three towers connected by a park, ground-floor commercial spaces, and communal areas, aiming to dignify social housing and provide quality of life. Beyond addressing density, the goal was to create an environment that people could inhabit and embrace as a community, with architecture that truly improves everyday life”.

We proudly congratulate our student, Andrea Dena Esquivel, for achieving this recognition. Thanks to her commitment, dedication, and passion for architecture, she continues to elevate the name of the School of Architecture at Universidad Panamericana, Aguascalientes campus.