Alfonso Valdes Maldonado
Programme:
Architecture by Design - PhD
Start date:
September 2024
Mode of study:
Full time
Research title:
Assessment of Architectural Elements that Shape the Cultural Identity of Northern Mexico: An Immersive Depiction of Key Features
Biography
Alfonso is a PhD candidate in Architecture by Design at the University of Edinburgh, beginning his studies in September 2024. His academic journey reflects a dedication to architectural research and excellence, which has been recognised by multiple scholarships and honours. He graduated from his Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from Universidad del Valle de Mexico with Academic Excellence and High Academic Performance and went on to earn his Master’s degree from Nottingham Trent University with Commendation, supported by the prestigious “NTU International Scholarship 2019/2020.” Currently, he is partially funded by CONAHCYT for his doctoral studies, which focus on the intersections of cultural identity, architectural heritage, and digital innovation within the unique regional context of Northern Mexico.
Alfonso's professional background combines experience in public departments with the management of his own architectural studio, where he has explored the intertwining of architecture, cultural heritage, and community impact. His PhD research builds upon these interests, focusing on the architectural and cultural identity of Northern Mexico, where historical and modern influences intersect. He aims to reveal how these diverse elements shape regional identity through built environments. Alfonso’s research brings together architectural history, immersive technologies, and post-colonial studies, contributing valuable insights to architectural heritage, decolonisation studies, and the role of digital tools in cultural engagement.
Research interests
- Architecture and Cultural Identity
- Architectural Heritage and Decolonisation
- Ethnographic Methodologies
- Immersive Technologies
- Mexican Architecture
Alfonso’s PhD research investigates the role of architecture in expressing and shaping cultural identity in Northern Mexico, an area where indigenous, colonial, and modern architectural influences meet. By employing decolonial theories and immersive technologies, his work offers a unique perspective on how regional built environments embody and transform cultural identity over time. The study critically examines how modern architectural practices interact with historical forms, revealing patterns of resilience, hybridity, and adaptation in response to social and political shifts.
Alfonso’s research is interdisciplinary, combining architectural history, ethnography, and digital technology. Through 360° digital models and 3D reconstructions, he aims to provide interactive ways for audiences to experience Northern Mexico’s architectural heritage, enriching cultural narratives and public engagement. His work contributes to academic discussions on architectural heritage, cultural identity, and decolonial approaches, offering innovative methods that bridge historical analysis and contemporary digital tools. This research not only enhances understanding within the fields of architecture and cultural studies but also informs practical applications in urban planning and heritage conservation.