Maximo Nivel Construction of Miraflores - Cusco Peru 2019
In 2019, I participated in the Maximo Nivel Volunteers Program in the field of construction, held in Cusco, Peru. This experience was unlike any other in my career—I had the chance to work hands-on in the construction of a community library, laying bricks, planning details, and contributing directly to a building that would serve as an educational hub for local people. Being on the ground, away from the comforts and resources I was accustomed to, challenged me as an architect to think more flexibly and creatively. Working shoulder-to-shoulder with volunteers from all over the world was not only an exercise in teamwork, but also an opportunity to build a meaningful international network of passionate, like-minded people. The shared sense of purpose and the friendships formed during those days remain some of the most valuable takeaways of my journey.
Cusco itself is an architectural and cultural treasure. Known as the historic capital of the Inca Empire, the city preserves a unique layering of history—ancient Inca stonework forming the very foundations of colonial Spanish buildings. Standing in the Plaza de Armas, a UNESCO World Heritage site, I could feel this dialogue between civilizations, where every wall and street carries centuries of stories. The experience deepened with a visit to the legendary Machu Picchu, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Walking through its terraces and temples, perfectly integrated into the dramatic mountain landscape, I was struck by the Inca mastery of construction, precision, and harmony with nature. For an architect, witnessing such achievements is both humbling and inspiring—it reshapes how one understands design, permanence, and the relationship between humans and their environment.
For me, this program was not just volunteer work; it was a profound lesson in architecture, culture, and humanity. It showed me how building in different geographies, with limited resources and diverse communities, can open new ways of thinking and designing. Such experiences remind us that architecture is not only about form and aesthetics, but also about community, identity, and impact. As an architect, stepping into contexts far from home expands your perspective, enriches your creativity, and ultimately changes the way you see the world.
