The College of Architects of Alicante is launching a new initiative to showcase the excellence of architecture across the Valencian Community. This conference cycle invites practitioners to elect their successors for the upcoming gathering, reinforcing a tradition of professional leadership and public engagement. The first event is scheduled for a Thursday evening at 19.00, and will unfold at the school center with a presentation by the Alicante architecture studio Subarquitectura.
Subarquitectura is a collaborative practice comprised of Andrés Silanes, Fernando Valderrama, and Carlos Bañón. All three are connected to the University of Alicante, where they completed the Master of Complex Architecture. Their portfolio includes infrastructure works such as plazas and tram stops, reflecting a commitment to urban environments and accessible design. One standout project, the Sergio Cardell Roundabout, gained recognition by winning an award at the IX Spanish Architecture Biennale and earned a nomination for the 2009 Mies van der Rohe Award. It also achieved Finalist status at the Valencia Society Awards, earned a Second Prize for Lamp Lighting Solutions, and received an Honorable Mention at the Balthasar Neumann Biennale in Germany. The project was honored with an additional Honorable Mention at the Balthasar Neumann Biennale and was highlighted among the top 10 designs worldwide by the Design Museum in London, underscoring the studio’s international footprint.
They have developed a range of sports facilities as well, including a 3D-printed athletics track in Elda, a project that earned the silver medal from the International Olympic Committee and a Gold Medal from the International Paralympic Committee for outstanding sports equipment design. Their recent work includes the Pedreguer Sports Pavilion, which was selected for presentation at the Alicante Architecture Exhibition in 2018, reflecting the studio’s ability to blend performance, accessibility, and community use in sports contexts.
Across housing and urban projects, the studio has contributed to Home 360 and the Hotel Santa Creu. The building on Tabarca Island has gained attention in the Alicante Architecture Exhibition and was recognized in the Ascer awards, receiving the first prize for the best work in the Valencian Community biennial. These achievements illustrate the studio’s sustained impact on contemporary architecture in the region.
In 2010, the studio was nominated for the prestigious Yakov Chernihov International Prize, marking a high point in its early international recognition. Today, its projects extend across Spain, Mexico, and Singapore, reflecting a growing geographic presence and a continued focus on innovative design solutions that connect housing, public spaces, and cultural contexts.
Following the conference, the College of Architects of Alicante plans to organize a post-event toast that offers attendees an opportunity to engage directly with the speakers, fostering meaningful dialogue and networking among practitioners, students, and other stakeholders who share a commitment to advancing architecture in the region.