Xib'alb'a Regional Nursery

Name
Erick Santiago Arias Ruiz
Education degree
Kandidat
Fagfelt
Architecture
Institute
Architecture and Space
Program
Architecture and Extreme Environments
Year
2026

The Xib'alb'a Regional Nursery acts as a synthetic kidney inhaling Merida’s toxicity, exhaling biological remediation. Built upon an ecological scar product of resource exploitation, the architecture curates seasonality to rehabilitate Yucatán’s rich biodiversity through ethical botanical sourcing, social condensation and economic development.

The Royal Danish Academy supports the Sustainable Development Goals

Since 2017 the Royal Danish Academy has worked with the Sustainable Development Goals. This is reflected in our research, our teaching and in our students’ projects. This project relates to the following UN goal(-s)
CV

I am a multidisciplinary architect with an extensive artistic background in sculpture, printmaking, painting, and scientific illustration from multiple art schools (SCAD in Savannah, Hospicio Cabañas, and Casa Taller Los Azulejos in Guadalajara). Essential to my design process, problem-solving, and physical manifestation of projects, this background provides an extensive artistic toolbox beyond the current architectural scene. With an energetic and optimistic mindset, I provide proactive engagement and team-minded resolution. Creating a spirited team is not only a task, but a joy to me.

Competitions, Publications & Awards
Professional Work Experience
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Junior Architect

In collaboration with the University of Guadalajara, I was selected to work on social conservation and rehabilitation for the population in need. Social housing for rural settlements that have been victims of urban displacement was the main objective, with over 10 projects conducted under my design. Secondary to this, rehabilitation of 2 health clinics in the center of Guadalajara, Mexico, and conservation of 2 buildings with cultural heritage were also part of my tasks, managing a team of two people, and having a Senior Architect as a Tutor.
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Landscape Architect

While starting as a part-time architectural designer, I grew in this role as a Landscape Architect and Creative Assistant to the Director of Estudio ECo in Guadalajara, Mexico. While I worked there, I actively collaborated on macro-projects like master plans for residential communities, resorts in the Caribbean, and urban parks in different cities of Central America, which were the main focus of the landscape studio. It also focused on micro-projects like residential projects and context analysis for existing projects. I worked on a total of 32 projects during my time there.