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Review of “Operational Ambiguity” by F. González de Canales

By Marta Pelegrín (MEDIOMUNDO arquitectos)
Published in NEUTRA Magazine No. 20.2025

At MEDIOMUNDO arquitectos, the dialogue between theory and practice is a constant. For this reason, we are pleased to share the review of Operational Ambiguity, the latest book by Francisco González de Canales, published in issue 20 of NEUTRA Magazine. This essay, released by Ediciones Asimétricas, delves into ambiguity as a creative and strategic driver in contemporary architecture.

An essay on ambiguity as a strategy

González de Canales presents the challenge of what he calls “operational ambiguity”, a concept that, far from being contradictory, emerges as a fundamental tool for architectural design and criticism. The author uses Michel Serres’ metaphor of the “rope and the knot” to explain how architecture can oscillate between fixed rules and open spaces, generating environments conducive to interaction and constant reinterpretation by its users.

The book invites readers to discover and propose new ambiguities that can be inserted into the contemporary cultural context, understanding architecture as a field of experimentation and open dialogue.

Reseña de "Ambigüedad operativa", un ensayo de F. González de Canales sobre la ambigüedad como motor creativo en la arquitectura contemporánea.

A critical and referential journey

The review highlights how González de Canales, through thorough documentation, analyses poetic, cultural and architectural practices where ambiguity becomes a creative, communicative and projective strategy. The text not only revisits the etymology and philosophical background of the term, but also connects it with the work of thinkers such as Aristotle, Wittgenstein, Locke, María Zambrano and Ortega y Gasset, emphasising the relationship between ambiguity and the human “vital reason”.

The author identifies paradigmatic examples in the work of architects such as Mies van der Rohe, Le Corbusier, Aldo Rossi, Venturi-Scott Brown, Louis Kahn and Álvaro Siza. In these cases, ambiguity is manifested in the relationship between interior and exterior, in memory and the playful experience of space, in the critique of cultural paradigms, and in the indeterminacy of scales and boundaries.

An invitation to reflection and criticism

Far from immediacy and superficiality, Operational Ambiguity proposes a profound reflection on the role of ambiguity in architecture, inviting us to rethink where a place begins and what value the built environment brings to its inhabitants. The book thus becomes an essential reference for those seeking new critical and creative tools in the architectural field.

At MEDIOMUNDO, we share the view that ambiguity, far from being an obstacle, can open up innovative paths in the design process and in architectural communication, allowing for multiple readings and enriching the experience of space.

We highly recommend this stimulating read to anyone interested in contemporary architecture and the possibilities that ambiguity offers as a driver of innovation and critical thinking.

Download the full review in PDF

Reopening of the Deutsches Architektur Museum – Frankfurt

Marta Pelegrín and Fernando Pérez, founders of MEDIOMUNDO arquitectos, took part in the reopening of the Deutsches Architektur Museum (DAM) in Frankfurt, an international reference point for reflection and dissemination of contemporary architectural culture. The building, designed by Oswald Mathias Ungers, has recently been restored and adapted to host new exhibitions under the direction of Peter Cachola Schmal and Andrea Jürgen.

In this new phase, the museum showcases a selection of 41 emblematic objects from its archives, such as the aluminium containers from the Frankfurter Küche by Margarete Schütte-Lihotzky, the original newspaper-leaflet from the 1984 opening, and the suitcase-model of the collaborative housing project by BaR Architekten, which allowed cooperative members to adjust the proposal in a practical way.

The exhibition “Stadt für alle: City for All” presents, through an assemblage of urban archetypes, a multiplicity of images and perspectives that invite visitors to reflect on their level of involvement in decisions regarding infrastructure, housing, and public space design.

MEDIOMUNDO’s presence at this international event reinforces their commitment to research, participation in cultural networks, and a critical perspective on urban transformation processes. Additionally, Marta Pelegrín-Rodríguez is part of the museum’s friends’ team, as listed among the featured collaborators.

Re-inauguración del Deutsches Architektur Museum – Frankfurt

Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Granada

At MEDIOMUNDO arquitectos, we are pleased to share the recent video produced by the Heritage Service of the University of Granada, which explores the spaces of the Faculty of Health Sciences, designed by our studio in 2015. The building was conceived to foster academic life and interaction, and is characterised by its sobriety, simplicity, and sensitivity to context—values that define our work and design philosophy.

We are delighted to see how these spaces have come to life and become an integral part of university life, just as we intended from the outset. However, we have noticed that the recent signage on the façade and the placement of the flags have not followed the principles of integration and respect for the original architecture. We would have appreciated being consulted on these interventions to ensure the coherence of the whole.

We thank the University for the opportunity to continue presenting architecture as a space open to learning, exchange, and university life.

Architecture and tourism. Córdoba visit with MEDIOMUNDO

As part of the International Workshop: Improving the city through tourism, organised by the ETS of Architecture in Seville, we visited the city of Córdoba to analyse the relationship between tourism, heritage, and contemporary architecture. The activity included the participation of leading studios such as MEDIOMUNDO (Fernando Pérez and Marta Pelegrín), who contributed their innovative vision and experience in urban and sustainable interventions.

During the day, we explored key sites such as Molino de Martos, the Water Museum (2006, Juan Navarro Baldeweg), the conservation and restoration project by Gabriel Ruiz Cabrero and Gabriel Rebollo, the Centre for Contemporary Creation of Andalusia (C3A, 2013, Nieto Sobejano), and the Public Library (2024, Paredes Pedrosa). Each visit offered an opportunity to reflect on the challenges and opportunities of architecture in historic cities.

The experience highlighted the importance of collaboration among professionals and the need for a multidisciplinary approach to improve cities through tourism and architecture.

Useful links:
Nieto Sobejano Arquitectos
Paredes Pedrosa Arquitectos
Juan Navarro Baldeweg
Gabriel Ruiz Cabrero
Gabriel Rebollo / Scalae

Arquitectura y turismo. Visita a Córdoba con MEDIOMUNDO

MEDIOMUNDO at the International Workshop on Tourism & City

On 8 April, MEDIOMUNDO took part in the “International Workshop: Improving the city through tourism”, organised by the Higher Technical School of Architecture of Seville. This event, part of the ERASMUS BIP project, brought together 36 architecture students from four European universities, alongside lecturers and professionals from the sector.

Throughout the day, participants visited some of Seville’s most iconic examples of contemporary architecture. The tour included the Diputación de Sevilla (Renovation and expansion, 1994, Cruz y Ortiz Arquitectos), the Rectorate of the University of Seville, the Gipsoteca (2015, Ricardo Alario), the Museum of the University of Seville (2025, Francisco Reina), and the Real Fábrica de Artillería, Magallanes Center (2025, Francisco Reina).

The workshop was held in collaboration with Mario Algarín (ETSA Sevilla), Marta Pelegrín (MEDIOMUNDO arquitectos), students from HS Mainz, Pedro Ravara (FAU Lisbon), Olivier Boucheron (Paris La Villette University), and Saskja Matinevic (University of Split). The experience fostered reflection on the role of tourism in urban transformation and the value of contemporary architectural heritage in the city.

MEDIOMUNDO en el Workshop Internacional sobre turismo y ciudad

MEDIOMUNDO architects at Trayectorias 13. Traceability in Project and Design

On 10 March at 9:30 am, Marta Pelegrín, co-founder together with Fernando Pérez of MEDIOMUNDO architects, will take part in this year’s edition of Trayectorias 13, organised by the Escuela de Arte de Jerez.

In her lecture, entitled “Traceability in Project and Design”, Marta Pelegrín will share the philosophy and approach of MEDIOMUNDO architects, a Seville-based practice committed to research, innovation, and sustainability in contemporary architecture. Through projects such as the Sala Cibeles at the Bank of Spain, exhibition designs for the Reina Sofía Museum, and various interventions in cultural buildings across Andalusia, she will highlight the importance of construction details, the conscious selection of materials, and collaboration with local craftspeople.

MEDIOMUNDO architects’ participation in Trayectorias 13 is an opportunity to discover how traceability and a commitment to the environment are essential to their way of understanding and practising architecture. The studio, led by Fernando Pérez and Marta Pelegrín, is recognised for creating innovative and sustainable cultural spaces, blending tradition and modernity in each of their works.