Mexican minimalism in technicolor

Cuadra San Cristobal © Foundation Luis Barragàn

Who says minimalism equals a monochrome palette of black, white and gray? Two of my favourite Mexican architects fully embraced the modernist style while simultaneously infusing their designs with a colourful joie de vivre, characteristic of their exuberant cultural heritage. Meet icons Luis Barragán and his disciple Ricardo Legorreta.

A journey through the Old Continent at the start of his career exposed a young Barragán to European modernism and the Bauhaus movement, two styles that were very much in vogue at the time. He was also influenced by the architectural vision of the great Le Corbusier, who Barragán briefly met in France.

Back in his native Mexico, Barragán transformed these European influences into a distinct style through an innovative use of vivid colours. The dramatic effects of this artistic choice were aimed to evoke emotion, as Barragàn was opposed to functionalism in architecture.

Casa del Agua by Ricardo Legorreta © Ji Young Yoon

However, his strategic use of bright colours reminiscent of Mexican sunsets didn't lead to overly busy designs. Quite the contrary, Barragàn was quoted saying: "Any work of architecture which does not express serenity is a mistake." It explains why he favoured simple, geometric structures and incorporated natural elements in his work, often using water features such as reflecting pools and fountains. This way he managed to immerse his designs in an atmosphere of tranquility and introspection, which is still palpaple when you visit one of his creations.

Barragán's mastery did not go unnoticed. In 1980 he was rewarded Pritzker Architecture Prize, the highest honour an architect can achieve.

"any work of architecture which does not express serenity is a mistake"

Ricardo Legorreta expanded on Barragàn's architectural legacy, achieving, as his illustrious predecessor did, a harmonious balance between sleek, minimalist forms and vibrant colours. In doing so, both skillfully avoided creating either bombastic or boring buildings.

image credits left to right row 1: Casa del Agua © Ji Young Yoon: Sotogrande House © Arquitectos Legorreta; row 2: Camino Real Polanco © Erika Carlock; Cuadra San Cristobal © Erika Carlock; Sotogrande House © Arquitectos Legorreta; row 3: Sotogrande House © Arquitectos Legorreta; Museo de Arte Contemporàneo de Monterrey © Arquitectos Legorreta; Casa Gilardi © EsotericSurvey