In this interview, architect Sana Frini traces her journey from Tunisia to Mexico City, revealing how experiences of scarcity, migration, and cultural resonance have shaped her architectural ethos. Beginning with a pragmatic architectural education in France, Frini sought more grounded approaches in Spain and Portugal before discovering a profound connection in Mexico—a place where vernacular wisdom meets experimental practice. She discusses the significance of shared know-how, collective work, and contextual adaptation in Mexico’s architectural scene, emphasizing how local solutions, common sense, and layered histories offer fertile ground for innovation. From early influences like Barragán to collaborative practices such as Colectivo C733, Frini advocates for an architecture that is situated, inclusive, and rooted in both community and material intelligence.
