SÁENZ BARELA
Nuestro Ambiente: Latinos Shaping Houston
On ViewOctober 24, 2025-March 27, 2026
ContributorsAIAH Latinos in Architecture Committee
ContributorsAIAH Latinos in Architecture Committee
PhotographyCourtesy of Ray Perez and Luis Ayala
At a time when Latino identity and communities are under increasing pressure, Nuestro Ambiente honors the legacy of Latino contributions to Houston’s cultural and built environment—while raising the urgent question of the future of Houston’s ambiente without a stable, legally-protected, Latino workforce.
I worked closely with the key members from the AIAH Latino Architecture Committee to develop an experience that serves as a triumphant love letter to Houston's Latino community. By highlighting the city's historic neighborhoods, identifying key community leaders, and sharing stories of resilience and creativity, Nuestro Ambiente showcased that Houston is a place where culture is lived, not just observed.
As a result, the exhibition received a proclamation from the City of Houston and State of Texas for its lasting cultural impact.
I worked closely with the key members from the AIAH Latino Architecture Committee to develop an experience that serves as a triumphant love letter to Houston's Latino community. By highlighting the city's historic neighborhoods, identifying key community leaders, and sharing stories of resilience and creativity, Nuestro Ambiente showcased that Houston is a place where culture is lived, not just observed.
As a result, the exhibition received a proclamation from the City of Houston and State of Texas for its lasting cultural impact.