The awards ceremony, promoted by Arquitexto, also recognized architect Cristóbal Valdez for his career achievements, A20 Arquitectos as emerging talent, and Elisa Read Pappaterra for her international projection
SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic – Dominican architecture and design now have a new platform to recognize the talent, innovation, and quality of its professionals. The Jaragua Awards celebrated its inaugural edition with a ceremony honoring 25 projects in various categories, as well as three professionals for their contributions to the development of these disciplines.
The initiative, promoted by Arquitexto, a publishing platform celebrating four decades of experience, seeks to highlight good practices in architecture, design and urban planning, as well as promote proposals that contribute to improving the quality of life, preserving cultural identity and fostering the sustainable development of cities.
The project is promoted by architects Carmen Ortega González and Lourdes Periche, along with Freddy Jana and Claudia Montás, who are committed to creating a space that will showcase the work of Dominican professionals and strengthen the exchange of knowledge within the sector.
The ceremony took place at the Pedro Henríquez Ureña National University (UNPHU), with the attendance of architects, designers, academics, institutional representatives and companies linked to construction.
Evaluation and recognition of projects
To select the winning proposals, Jaragua Awards relied on national and international juries, who assessed aspects such as architectural quality, innovation, relationship with the context and the contributions of each work to its discipline.
During the meeting, Puerto Rican architect Nataniel Fúster shared reflections on behalf of the jury and highlighted the importance of having initiatives that promote professional recognition and the projection of Dominican architecture.
In this first edition, 25 awards were distributed across the categories of Theory and Criticism, Interior Design, Landscape Architecture, Urban Design, and Architectural Design. Finalist projects in Heritage and Restoration were also recognized.
Among the projects that won first place was Plaza Paseo del Prado, by Pérez Morales y Asociados, in the Corporate, Commercial, or Institutional Architectural Design category. The Santo Domingo Este Judicial City, by Toca, was also recognized in the Public or Social Works category, while Villa 15 de Mayo, by Pulso Arquitectura, topped the Single-Family Residential category.
On the other hand, Cristo Park, by Massiel Mejía Landscape Architecture, won first place in both Landscape Architecture and Urban Design. The proposal stood out for its integration of natural elements, environmental restoration, and public spaces.
There were also awards in architectural research and dissemination. The Santiago de los Caballeros Architecture Guide, by Fachadas, won first place in the Research Project category, while Ortiz and Auñón, from exile to reunion, by Mauricia Domínguez, was awarded in the Print Publication category.
Three special awards for outstanding professionals
In addition to the awards for projects, the ceremony reserved a space to recognize three careers and professional contributions through special awards.
The Lifetime Achievement Award was given to architect and urban planner Cristóbal Valdez, in recognition of his dedication to the ethical practice of architecture, urban planning, teaching and city management.
The jury especially valued his defense of public space and his comprehensive vision of urban development, contributions that have served as a reference for different generations of professionals.
Meanwhile, the Young Architect Award went to A20 Arquitectos, a firm founded by Luis Sabater Musa and Fernando Salcedo Debes. The award recognized the conceptual quality of their proposals, the diversity of their projects, their use of materials, and the development of a distinctive architectural identity.
Architect Elisa Read Pappaterra received the Diaspora Award for her international work leading Studio Pappaterra, based in California. Her practice integrates landscape architecture, sustainability, research, human safety, and environmental resilience, showcasing Dominican talent abroad.
Jaragua Talks and the projection of Dominican architecture
Beyond the awards ceremony, Jaragua Awards aims to become a meeting point to discuss the challenges and opportunities of contemporary architecture in the Dominican Republic.
As part of that vision, Jaragua Talks is also being developed, an initiative of talks aimed at generating reflections on architecture, design, city, territory and society.
This edition was supported by sponsoring companies and institutional partners, including APAP, Vanta, BII, Servex, Marmotech, Finsa, Cementos Cibao, Ergotec, ACOR+, Panelli, Cement Design, Punta Cana Design District, Centro León, Vizdom and Perfil Urbano, in addition to the special support of the Pedro Henríquez Ureña National University.
This first ceremony sought to establish a tradition of recognition that contributes to raising quality standards, strengthening the professional community, and expanding the presence of Dominican architecture and design on national and international stages.
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