Draft:Mexican Architect-José Damián Ortiz de Castro

Biography
José Damián Ortiz de Castro was a prominent 18th-century Hispanic architect who conducted a significant development projects throughout Mexico City Including the famous Mexico City Towers. He was born on September 28, 1750, where he would later receive his baptism at the Parish of San Jeronimo by priest subordinate Miguel Braulio. His parents were Jose Ortiz and Albina Maria Vazquez, both of which were formerly from Jalapa and eventually settled in Coatepec. As a matter of fact they were one of they were one of the earliest Spanish families to establish themselves in the hinterland of Jalapa and Coatepec, whereas another family branch made their house in the metropolitan area of Puebla de Los Angeles, where they essentially maintained prominent roles as trustees of the municipal council as well as cathedral.

Education
In his younger years however he was a very distinguished and responsible student. Ortiz de Castro gained his Education from the Royal Academy of San Carlos. It was here where he learned from the best of the best and brightest Senior Teachers the City of Mexico had to offer, as well as the entire staff of the Metropolitan Cathedral.In his youth he lived among Old Baroque Masters such as Lorenzo Rodriguez, Guerrero Torres, and with Neoclassical Architects such as Gonzalez Velasquez and Castera.

Career
Ortiz de Castro exceptional construction work was also very noteworthy, as he demonstrated his excellent craftsmanship through the creation of the bells comprising the highest point of the Cathedral. These bells, composed of tezontle, are merely the exterior covering sourced from Chiluca. Additionally, he stated that he devised a crane scheme to place each of the bells, including the biggest one, in their proper locations within the Cathedral itself. Furthermore he took an active role in the Revillagigedos reforms to Mexico City. He worked on several projects, including leveling the Plaza Mayor and installing the Angulos fountains in 1793. Arguably his most significant accomplishment was the finishing touches of the towers and facade of Mexico's Cathedral. In 1781 he initially applied for the job of a more senior professor at the Cathedral of Mexico However to his surprise he wasn't offered to teach by the institution until 1787. Which was the very same year he won the contest to finish the facade and towers of the Cathedral.

Architecture
As soon as development on the Metropolitan Cathedral was ultimately halted in 1786, officials decided to resume construction on the cathedral itself through the conduction of a contest. It was here between the architects who took part in the tournament one of them being none other than Jose Damian Ortiz de Castro himself. Who particularity delivered a dissertation that because of it's imaginative architectural propositions, had been accepted by the head of the Royal Academy of San Carlos, Jeronimo Antonio Gil, and the institution's main developer, Antonio Velazquez, along with gaining admiration from Spanish authorizes, as a result his suggestion agreed flawlessly with the existing structure. He often considered himself to be an architect of Mexican heritage which translated with into his architecture such pieces as (ARCHITECTURE) As well as being an enthusiast of the neoclassical style, taking inspiration from the likes of Miguel Costanzo and several others. In addition to emphasizing broadening the scope of the several buildings including the Old Mint of Mexico, and the completion of the Santa Fe Powder Facility.

Primary Works
Facade and Towers Project of the Metropolitan Cathedral of Mexico City. As a central landmark the Cathedral has undergone several phases of construction for more than two centuries. Throughout this time it has seen the influences and ideas of numerous architects as well as colonial administrators. Due to this the Cathedral itself does not necessarily follow any specific type of form or architecture. Like most buildings located in the central of Mexico City. In addition to this the Cathedral itself is built upon uneven ground. Therefore fast forwarding to modern times there no question that the building itself has being the subject of numerous repairs and engineering initiative's over the years.

Facade of the Tulancingo Cathedral Jose also had a considerably large part in the Tulancingo Cathedral's revisions. It is essentially a Catholic monastery that was originally built by the Franciscan Order in the year 1528. Furthermore it is a large piece of Historical Mexican Architecture. In the forefront of the main square of La Floresta, found in the province of Hidalgo. It's unique blend of simple yet highly imposing characteristics stands out in the Tulancingo historical center. It has become one of the most revered places in Mexico alone. The edifice was initially constructed in smaller sizes by the Franciscan Catholics who spread Christianity over the entire region. With the help of Jose Damian Ortiz de Castro the Cathedral was expanded and refurbished by the year 1788. Since Mexico at the time was transitioning from Baroque to the simplicity of Neoclassic architecture, it makes sense that the building's style heavily changed.

Public Blazon on the Fence of the Temple of San Hipolito San Hipolito was finished in the 1730s, together with some of it's structure made entirely of uncoated volcanic rock otherwise known as "tezontle." Which is Baroque in form, both the frontal columns have a distinct 45-degree angle, while the interiors and main bell tower are both Spanish in style. On the other hand, the layout has traditional Latin Cross with the main dome rising at the intersection. As the first structure in the Cordoban style to use the tapered pilaster, and estipite which is heavily embedded in 18th century architecture. The main entrance is adorned with a statute of San Hipolito set in a niche.

Influences and Early Work
Between 1772-1780 he helped Constanzo in the works on the house of the Moneda of Mexico. Together with the beautiful neoclassical facade facing Correo Mayor Street. Don Jose Damian, presented a study at the academy of San Carlos on how different methods of fabrication could be used by construction entrepreneurs. He was recognized as the introducer of the true use of plaster in architecture as well as other new materials at the time such as iron. Don Miguel Constanzo was a professor of Geometry as well as Architecture. In 1779 he supported Constanzo in the construction of the Santa Fe Gunpowder Factory in Chapultepec. Which was unfortunately destroyed by a tragic fire in 1784. Together they completed a series of small scale renovations and restorations in several city locations between 1780 and 1790. Additionally he oversaw the Plaza Mayor's pavement project in 1790, and in the following year, he and Miguel Constanzo constructed the public front next to the Mercy convent and the fountains meticulously positioned in the Plaza's corners.

Legacy
Jose Damian Ortiz de Castro was a great Architect, and his career was boosted thanks to the interesting work and renovations he carried out in his life. For his time he was an innovative architect, since he was one of the first architects to use iron, therefore using it in the Bell Towers of his distinct Baroque Architecture. Something so revolutionary for it's time. Not to mention the fact that after he participated in the expansion work of the Mint. He then became so interested in designing the world's very first and functioning coin lathe. In which became popular very quickly and effectively until it reached to be arguably one of the world's largest Mint Houses in it's day.