Taller de Arquitectura X, a firm established in 1981, serves as the primary base for the architectural practice of Alberto Kalach. Born in 1960 in Mexico City, he maintains a diverse portfolio that spans built projects, urban planning initiatives, and painting, reflecting a career defined by both structural design and a sustained interest in the metropolitan challenges of his home country.
Professional Formation and Practice
Kalach pursued architectural studies at the Ibero-American University before continuing his graduate education at Cornell University in Ithaca. In 1981, he initiated his career by founding Taller de Arquitectura X alongside Daniel Álvarez. The partnership persisted for over two decades until 2002, when Álvarez departed. Kalach continued to operate the firm independently thereafter. His methodology involves frequent collaborations, having worked alongside peers including Teodoro González de León, Gustavo Lipkau, and Jose Castillo.
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In 2002, Kalach expanded his professional focus to address systemic urban issues in Mexico City. He founded the community group México: ciudad futura to propose long-term solutions for the region. His interest specifically extended to the water supply, resulting in lake concepts intended to resolve resource management problems. These efforts align with his ongoing participation in the Vuelta a la ciudad lacustre project, which explores strategies for recovering the historical geography of the area.
Key Projects and Competitions
His output includes a variety of residential and public buildings. Completed works include the 1999 Casa GGG in Mexico City and the 2002 Jose Vasconcelos Library, the latter winning a 2004 international design competition in collaboration with Juan Palomar, Gustavo Lipkau, and Tonatiuh Martínez. Between 2000 and 2008, he designed Casa La Atalaya in California, followed by Casa Romany in 2004. He also led the Reforma 27 Tower project in Mexico City, developed between 2007 and 2010. His professional recognition includes multiple competition successes, such as the 1996 first-place entry for Petrosino Park in New York City.
Fast facts
- Born: 1960
- Birthplace: Mexico City
- Education: Ibero-American University, Cornell University
- Firm founded: 1981, Taller de Arquitectura X
- Occupations: Architect, painter
- Key work: Jose Vasconcelos Library, 2002
- Collaborator: Daniel Álvarez
- Citizenship: Mexico
Questions readers ask
Where did Alberto Kalach complete his architectural studies?
He studied at the Ibero-American University and later completed graduate studies at Cornell University.
What is the focus of the organization México: ciudad futura?
Founded by Kalach in 2002, it addresses urban planning problems and water supply issues within Mexico City.
Achievements
- Trained at Ibero-American University and Cornell University
