Architecture for Community

Michel Rojkind (born December 18, 1969 in Mexico City) started as a rock musician, but gained international recognition as an architect. In 2002 he founded Rojkind Arquitectos to explore new challenges addressing contemporary society, to design compelling experiences that go beyond mere functionality, and to connect the intricacies of each project at a deeper level. And already in 2005 his office was recognized by “Architectural Record” as one of the best ten Design Vanguard firms. Michel Rojkind is among the most outstanding leaders in Mexico who has left an imprint in the architectural field. Michel told about his life, views on the world and architecture in an exclusive interview with our magazine.

You were already quite famous being a pop-rock star in the past. Did it help you in the field of architecture later?

I started as a musician and of course no one could know what is going to happen in the future. I was and I am fortunate enough to have my mother who has an incredile capacity to see things. She told me: “It’s ok that you are drummer, but you should study something else just in case. You don’t know how life unfolds. You don’t know what is going to happen in the future”. 

So, I thought it was a clever thing and I started to study architecture. Strangely enough during my first semester of studying architecture I got signed up by the EMI records. Most of my teachers were like: “Why are you still studying architecture, you should stop doing it”. I told: “I don’t care. I want to keep on studying. Please, judge me by my work”. 

 Interviewed by Elizaveta Klepanova
Illustrative materials provided by Rojkind Arquitectos

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