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Summer School of Traditional Architecture and Urban Planning
Translation:
The CDMX Summer School 2026 is an educational program designed to offer girls and boys a comprehensive learning experience during the vacation period. Through a structured pedagogical approach, the program combines academic, recreational, and cultural activities that promote the development of cognitive, social, and creative skills.
Our specialized teaching team supports participants in a safe, inclusive, and stimulating environment, fostering meaningful learning, collaborative work, and the strengthening of values.
Location: Mexico City
Dates: May 29 to June 13
Limited capacity: 25 students
To apply, please send the following to intbaumexico@gmail.com:
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Curriculum Vitae
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Letter of Motivation
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Project Portfolio
What is the school?
The “INTBAU Summer School” is an intensive educational program organized by INTBAU Mexico, which focuses on architecture, urban planning and traditional construction techniques.
Each year, different chapters of INTBAU organize schools in different countries: Mexico, Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands, Italy, Norway, among others.
For example:
In Mexico: Izamal and Oaxaca (June-July) ( INTBAU Mexico )
Summer School in Mexico City 2026
March 16: Deadline for early applications and full payment of the early registration fee
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USD 1,250
April 20: Deadline for Summer School applications and full payment of the program fee
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USD 1,450
OBJECTIVES/PHILOSOPHY
To recover, document and promote local traditions of architecture, construction and urban planning as cultural, technical and sustainable resources
To provide spaces for practical learning (workshops, drawing, modeling, visits to works, craft techniques) along with theoretical classes on history, heritage, aesthetics, local materials, etc.
To encourage reflection on how these traditions can be integrated into contemporary urban planning and architecture to produce lasting environments that are appropriate to the local and cultural context.
Typical format and content
The Mexico in Oaxaca-2025 edition included workshops focused on vernacular architecture and urbanism, guided classes, visits, proposals for the improvement of public spaces, and designs inspired by traditional typologies.
Architecture and Urban Planning Competition (linked to scholarships) Call for proposals to improve urban spaces; winning projects receive scholarships for the Summer School.
In Spain/Portugal: in regions with traditional architecture, with workshops, local design, artisan visits (Intbauspain)
In the Netherlands: the “Let's Build a Beautiful City” school in Utrecht (Intbaunl)
In Italy: an edition focused on Palladio's architecture in Vicenza (intbauitalia.org)
From May 29 to June 13, 2026
Location: Palacio Postal and Historic Center, Mexico City
Language: English
Schedule Overview
Phase 1
Latin American Congress of Traditional Architecture and Urbanism
May 29 – 31, 2026
Day 1 Friday May 29
Foundations of Classical Architecture
Lectures and urban drawing workshop
Palacio Postal and Historic Center
Day 2 Saturday May 30
Principles of Traditional Urbanism and Typologies
Lectures and urban drawing workshop
Palacio Postal
Day 3 Sunday May 31
Guided urban walk and watercolor workshop
Historic Center of Mexico City
Phase 2
Summer School of Traditional Architecture and Urbanism
June 1 – 13, 2026
Day 4 Monday June 1
Project introduction and urban analysis
Palacio Postal and Templo Mayor
Day 5 Tuesday June 2
Classical orders and architectural parti
Studio and workshops
Day 6 Wednesday June 3
Field trip
Xochimilco and Coyoacan
Day 7 Thursday June 4
Traditional construction techniques workshop
Palacio Postal
Day 8 Friday June 5
Master plan and traditional techniques workshop
Palacio Postal
Day 9 Saturday June 6
Architectural parti and project reviews
Studio
Day 10 Sunday June 7
Optional site visit
Teotihuacan
Day 11 Monday June 8
Urban drawing and architectural representation
Studio
Day 12 Tuesday June 9
Perspective and architectural drawing
Studio
Day 13 Wednesday June 10
Watercolor and architectural representation
Studio
Day 14 Thursday June 11
Architectural project and master plan development
Studio
Day 15 Friday June 12
Final presentation preparation
Studio
Day 16 Saturday June 13
Final presentations and public exhibition
Palacio Postal
Academic Focus
Traditional urbanism
Classical architecture
Urban analysis and design
Hand drawing and watercolor
Heritage and historic centers
Education
Education gap and local/global context
The school/course was created to address the lack of education and training in traditional architecture and human-scale urbanism, particularly the continuity of knowledge from pre-Hispanic urban systems to the traditional architecture of the colonial era, as well as the loss of traditional techniques due to rapid contemporary urbanization. The program uses Mexico as a living classroom, connecting students with the diversity of the country's cultural heritage and architectural history, while providing them with tools to respond to current urban challenges. It links the local context to global debates on sustainable design, cultural grounding, and resilient cities.
What distinguishes it from other programs
The program is distinguished by its strong balance between theory and practice, its direct access to real-world sites and heritage contexts, and its focus on traditional building techniques and local craftsmanship. Participants work in a site-based environment, mentored by experienced professionals, which helps them understand architecture as a living practice rooted in community and culture. The program's approach is also aligned with INTBAU's global mission to promote tradition and sustainability in architecture and urbanism.
Who benefits most from the program
The program benefits students and young professionals interested in reconnecting design with tradition, craftsmanship, and cultural context in Mexico. It is ideal for those working in architecture, urban planning, heritage conservation, landscape design, and related fields who seek hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of traditional building techniques, historical urban systems, and place-based design. Ideal participants are curious, motivated to engage with communities, and interested in sustainable, human-scale urbanism.