Wallpaper* Architect of the Year 2026: Lina Gottme

When asked about a building that makes her smile, Lina Gotme—one of Wallpaper*’s Architects of the Year for 2026—reflects on Luis Barragán’s chapel at the Capuchin monastery and other inspiring spaces.
It’s not about what makes me smile, but about the quiet emotion we feel in peaceful spaces—where light, silence, and presence create a deep inner sense of beauty.
black and white portrait of architect Lina Ghotmeh shot by Brigitte Lacombe
Lina Ghotmeh on Luis Barragán’s Capuchin Convent Chapel and Beyond
Many spaces evoke this feeling. I recall my visit to the chapel at Luis Barragán’s Capuchin monastery in Mexico, where entering is a profoundly moving experience. Soft light fills the space, and the prohibition on photography creates a rare respite from technology. Moving from a smaller room to a larger space, one encounters colorful light streaming through the stained-glass windows, which enhances the sense of tranquility.

What is most striking is how seamlessly the building blends into the urban landscape. It does not stand out as a monument, but rather feels like an intimate space for prayer.

Osaka Bahrain Pavilion_LGA

A similar sense of awe can be experienced at the Temppeliaukio Church in Helsinki. At first glance, a modest rock formation suddenly reveals a carved-out interior space with a dome resting on exposed rock. The transition from the urban environment to this “cave” is striking, and the copper ceiling and soft candlelight create a unique atmosphere.

Jadid's Legacy Museum by LGA

Alvaro Siza’s Boa Nova Tea House in Portugal offers a similar experience, unfolding through a carefully choreographed sequence that gradually reveals the sea and the landscape.

Qatar Pavilon at Venice biennale, Italy by LGA

What impresses me most is not only the immersive nature of these spaces, but also their ability to “listen” to their surroundings and reveal their beauty. The architecture almost disappears, becoming a frame for the landscape and directing the experience. This creates a cinematic sensation, as in Tadao Ando’s Chichu Museum, where the building is carved into a hill and blurs the boundary between nature and architecture.

Hermès' Maroquinerie de Louviers leather production facility by Lina Gotmeh

The human experience is at the heart of my work. I design through proportions, movement, and the way the body moves through space—creating environments that feel natural, calm, and alive. For me, architecture is both a powerful moment and a quiet part of everyday life.

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