Luis Barragan

Are you kidding me with this image? Not even looking at this incredible water feature I am in awe at the amazing shades of pink used in this contemporary structure. I was happily surprised to find out this is a continous theme for architect, Luis Barragan.



Barragan is a Mexican architect who began his career as an engineer. Which makes sense looking at this minimalist style which seems to be constructed after careful planning and development. Engineers tend to be mechanical in nature.

However, Barragan spent years after graduation in Paris and New York where he became influenced by the writings of Ferdinand Bac and his gardens in Paris, architectural magazine editors, Mexican mural painter Jose Clemente Orozco, and Frederic Kiesler. Who are all these people? I won't go into detail, but know that it influenced his architectural style.

Barragan's work is often quoted in reference to minimalist architecture which isn't entirely true. Most minimalist architect's do not use color, but he was using color in a big way and pioneering ideas of forms and spaces. Any noteable architect does not create only something beautiful to look at. The beauty is there, often using materials like stone and wood, but he always employed an incredible use of light which takes thought and planning.

According to Andres Casillas (who worked with him), Barragan was convinced that the house should not be a "machine for living". He strove for "emotional architecture" which clashes with the idea of minimalist architecture.  He claimed that "any work of architecture which does not express serenity is a mistake".

This juxtaposition of ideas makes for incredible art in any situation.

Barragan's most notable work is Torres de Satelite which was built in Mexico City in collaboration with sculptor Mathias Goeritz. Another combination of ideas that led to groundbreaking art. He designed over a dozen private residences in the Colonia Americana including his own home and studio, as well as exclusive residential buildings and an equestrian development (San Cristobal Estates, pictured above) in Mexico City.