Estudio ACC

We hear a lot about “green buildings,” “climate action,” and “net zero goals.” These terms are everywhere in conversations about architecture and construction today. But many times they end up being used more as buzzwords or marketing language than as a real design philosophy. For me sustainability in architecture isn’t just another trend or a certification to pursue. It’s a practical way of thinking that influences how we imagine, design, and care for the places where people live, work, and spend their daily lives. At its core, it’s about responsibility, about people, and about the long-term impact of the spaces we create. This perspective is not just theoretical. In practice, it becomes very clear that sustainability and good design are closely connected. Many discussions about sustainable building highlight the importance of designing with nature in mind, balancing environmental responsibility with the human experience, and moving beyond simple checklists or labels. When sustainabil...

 La Ley 15 de 1959 es el marco legal que regula el ejercicio profesional de la ingeniería y la arquitectura en Panamá. Más allá de definir quiénes pueden ejercer estas profesiones, la ley establece normas sobre cómo deben desarrollarse las actividades profesionales , cómo deben operar las empresas del sector y cuáles son las sanciones aplicables en caso de incumplimiento. En este artículo analizamos los Capítulos III, IV y V , que resultan especialmente relevantes para profesionales, empresas y entidades públicas. Capítulo III: Normas para el ejercicio profesional El Capítulo III fija las reglas fundamentales que rigen el ejercicio de la ingeniería y la arquitectura en Panamá, con el objetivo de garantizar la responsabilidad, la ética profesional y la seguridad de las obras. Entre los puntos más relevantes se destacan: Facultad de suspensión de obras: La Junta Técnica de Ingeniería y Arquitectura puede ordenar la suspensión de cualquier obra que se ejecute en violación de la Le...

In contemporary architecture, professional responsibility is usually seen as an unquestionable good. Being a registered or licensed architect implies technical knowledge, practical experience, ethical commitment, and social trust. However, behind this solid and respectable image lies a less visible reality: professional responsibility also carries hidden costs, both for architects and for the discipline itself. This article reflects on those tensions. Drawing from discussions on architectural professionalism and certification systems, it explores how the legitimate pursuit of standards, ethics, and safety can also create economic pressure, creative limitations, and ethical conflicts that shape everyday architectural practice. Professional certification and the promise of trust Professional certification is one of the main pillars of the construction industry. Registration, licensing, and professional titles are meant to reassure society that architects have the knowledge, experience, a...

¿De qué trata el Capítulo II de la Ley 15 de 1959? El Capítulo II de la Ley N.º 15 de 1959 se enfoca en la Junta Técnica de Ingeniería y Arquitectura , el organismo encargado de regular, supervisar y velar por el correcto ejercicio de la ingeniería y la arquitectura en Panamá. En términos simples, este capítulo explica quiénes toman las decisiones , cómo se organiza esta Junta y qué funciones cumple para garantizar que la profesión se ejerza de manera responsable, ética y conforme a la ley. ¿Qué es la Junta Técnica de Ingeniería y Arquitectura? La Junta Técnica de Ingeniería y Arquitectura es el ente regulador del ejercicio profesional de ingenieros y arquitectos en Panamá. Fue creada por la Ley 15 de 1959 con el objetivo de asegurar que quienes ejercen estas profesiones cumplan con los requisitos legales y técnicos establecidos. Su existencia es clave porque actúa como un filtro de control y supervisión, protegiendo tanto a la sociedad como a los propios profesionales. ¿Quiéne...

  For a long time, net zero buildings have been portrayed as something distant and unrealistic. They are often associated with alternative lifestyles, environmental activism, or projects funded by large budgets. This perception is misleading. A net zero energy building is simply a building that produces as much energy as it consumes over the course of a year. The goal is not perfection or excess technology, but balance. It is a technical approach to reducing energy demand and meeting that demand efficiently. Many of the principles behind net zero buildings are not new. Proper building orientation, natural ventilation, solar control, thermal insulation, and climate responsive design have always been part of good architecture. What has changed is our ability to measure performance more accurately and integrate systems more effectively. One of the most common misconceptions is that net zero buildings are expensive because they rely heavily on advanced technology. In reality, the...

 When you work as an independent professional, architect, engineer, consultant, designer, freelancer, you might notice something frustrating: banks treat you differently compared to someone with a corporate structure. Why is that? Even though you may have a solid track record, excellent skills, and real income, many banks classify independent professionals as “high risk.” This perception is global and affects many freelancers around the world, not just in one country. Let’s break down why banks think this way , what it means for professionals , and how you can navigate this reality . 1. What Banks Really Look For To understand the issue, it helps to know how banks evaluate risk when approving loans. Banks typically assess: Steady and predictable income Long-term financial history Formal employment (payroll) Corporate financial statements Clear collateral (assets) These factors help banks forecast whether a borrower will repay a loan. For traditional employees or establis...