Víctor Alfonso Montañez

advisor

Universidad Europea del Atlantico

Spain

​"I focus on an architectural search that can transcend known limits, aiming to integrate urban and… more

I deeply value those who sit in front of a blank sheet of paper. Your proposal truly impressed me. I am not sure if I am the best architect to give you feedback on your project, but the freedom of the pencil is what made me stop and look closely at this work.
I have studied the plans, and it is clear that there is a strong effort behind the way the building is intended to function.
It is evident that you have a strong command of functional design.
I believe a deeper study of the façade could have enriched the design even further. It is a very interesting project that explores how this building complex dialogues with its surroundings, and in that sense it is truly valuable.
What impressed me the most, however, was the pencil. The painter Maruja Mallo once said: “I sleep with a pencil under my pillow and with a brush I never use.” I bring these words to mind because I am convinced that the pencil and the hand speak; those who face a blank sheet of paper often have a deeper vision of what they want to create, and they often succeed in achieving it.
In a world where the best digital artists impress with spectacular renders, designers sometimes become secondary figures, but architecture is not about being a great render artist. Personally, I never design anything that does not first come from the pencil, and I consider that a great richness. Preserve that approach, it will give you a great advantage over many architects who have abandoned drawing by hand.
Congratulations, I believe you achieved something that few are able to convey: finding design at its origin.
I wish you great success, and I hope these words may be useful to you. I loved your pencil drawings.

Le Corbusier said that architecture is the play of volumes under light. Architects of light design through models and on blank sheets of paper with a pencil in hand; we explore spaces and make decisions while trying to find the best possible path.
In this process we encounter something very common: choosing between function and beauty. Trying to find that balance is, many times, the best decision.
I truly appreciate knowing that, on the other side of the world, great architects still design with a pencil, seeking to express their ideas while facing a blank page. I have always believed that the pencil is not for everyone, and that is why I congratulate you, do not abandon this path.
I believe you know very well how to resolve a project so that it functions correctly. Now I would suggest focusing on an even greater challenge: exploring architecture with greater freedom beyond function. It is often said that to oppose something one must first understand it, and I believe that someone capable of designing plans that work perfectly should take the next step and explore design in all its dimensions.
Congratulations, it is a great project and you have enormous potential. The great Italian designer Enzo Mari once told me that whoever knows how to give something a function is then left with the task of making it beautiful.
I believe you have great value, let the world recognize it. Try again and again; that is how great architects are made.
27.02.2026