Showcase 2025 Student Spotlight: Santiago Mendoza Tellez
Student Spotlight featuring BArch Architecture student Santiago Mendoza Tellez and his project 'Changing Atmospheres'.
By Jon Duckworth | Published on 13 May 2025
Categories: Student Showcase;
The Project
Santiago conceives Changing Atmospheres as a sanctuary for elderly people living in Newark, Å·ÃÀ¾ÞÈéshire - a place where spiritual fulfilment comes not through prayer, but through art. In this innovative space, the contemplative traditions of monastic life find new expression through the mindful engagement with artistic materials and processes. The centre elevates sketching to a sacred practice within a phenomenology-driven architectural experience. It integrates both theoretical and practical approaches to art, with spaces dedicated to the creation of artistic tools and materials, art history lectures, and drawing lessons. The proposal was designed with specific attention to light, texture, and views, enhancing sensory awareness. The project stands as a counterpoint to our digital and disposable culture, promoting slow, deliberate engagement with materials and space, seeking to find meaning in the small details
Changing Atmospheres was designed with specific attention to light, texture, and views.
The inspiration behind the project
Proximity to the protected ruins of Newark Castle inspired the configuration, orientation, and aesthetics of the project. Santiago wanted to preserve the historic integrity of the castle and drew inspiration from its essential character while translating the crucial elements into contemporary architectural language. Light serves as both a practical wayfinding element and a spiritual metaphor, guiding elderly visitors naturally through the complex spatial sequence. Like medieval monasteries that used luminosity to mark sacred spaces, Changing Atmospheres employs carefully choreographed light conditions to create intuitive navigation pathways and highlight areas of artistic focus
The project drew inspiration from its closeness to the historic ruins of Newark Castle.
The project experience
"Working on something you love makes time fly." says Santiago. "From the start, I couldn't stop exploring design possibilities, constantly tweaking both details and major elements until I ended up with something that effectively represented my vision for this project. It was enjoyable working alongside my friends and colleagues and to see how our design and approach to the brief changed and evolved through the past of the year."
Light serves as both a practical element and a spiritual metaphor.
Being part of NTU
"Time management was definitely one of the most useful skills I’ve developed," says Santiago. "Balancing the workload across different modules while still having time for myself was essential to enjoying all phases of this final year."
Santiago Mendoza Tellez - BArch (Hons) Architecture
Closing remarks
To future students, Santiago says: "Don't take everything too seriously. Be willing to learn from every tutorial, every different opinion and critique. Always keep an open mind, and allow yourself to be influenced by the perspectives of friends and educators as heir insights often reveal new creative pathways. Finally, commit yourself to the degree. Architecture is not easy, but these challenges will push you toward your greatest potential and reveal capabilities you never knew you had."