Colima 71
January 8, 2025
Colima 71
Luis Barragán:
Luis Barragán (1902-1988), the architect from Guadalajara who captivated the world with his unique use of light, color, and spirituality, left an indelible mark on modern architecture. His masterpiece, the Luis Barragán House, located in the Miguel Hidalgo borough of Mexico City, is a space where walls sing, windows whisper, and colors vibrate with poetic intensity.
As the renowned Mexican author Juan Villoro wrote, "Barragán built for emotion, not efficiency." His architecture, deeply rooted in Mexican tradition, merges with international avant-garde movements to create a unique sensory experience.
In this article, we invite you to delve into Barragán's creative universe. We'll trace his life, from his beginnings in Guadalajara to his international recognition, exploring the influences that shaped his style and the legacy that has inspired generations of architects and artists.
And of course, we'll guide you through his most personal work, the Luis Barragán House, unveiling the secrets hidden within its walls and the magic that makes it a place of pilgrimage for lovers of beauty. Discover one of the best day trips from Mexico City!
Beyond functionality, Luis Barragán sought to move. His designs, as he stated, "should not only be beautiful, but moving." He sought to evoke emotions, to create spaces that conveyed serenity and a deep connection with nature. Light, color, and texture become protagonists, transforming every corner into a unique sensory experience.
Barragán's architecture is a fascinating blend. Self-taught, he masterfully integrated elements of traditional Mexican architecture with the European avant-garde movements he encountered during his travels in the 1930s. The patios, fountains, and vibrant colors of his native Jalisco engage in dialogue with the formal purity of modernism, present in the work of Le Corbusier, and the sensibility of minimalism.
His time in Morocco and southern Spain left a profound mark on his chromatic palette and his sensitivity to light. Mediterranean architecture, with its white volumes and integration of nature, and Islamic gardens, with their interplay of light and shadow, enriched his architectural language, giving it that mystical and contemplative atmosphere that characterizes it.
"Architecture is the starting point of the creator. His first field of experiences" wrote Octavio Paz about Barragán. And indeed, his work has transcended borders and generations. His humanist approach and sensitivity to the environment have made him a reference for contemporary architects such as Tadao Ando, who considers him one of his greatest inspirations.
His legacy lives on in projects that seek harmony between humans and nature, prioritizing emotional experience and the creation of spaces that inspire peace and contemplation, such as Casa Gilardi (1975-1977), where the interplay of light and color reaches its maximum expression.
Colima 71 invites you to experience the architecture of Luis Barragán from an authentic perspective through one of the most emblematic day trips from Mexico City. Immerse yourself in the magic of his spaces, discover the details that make them exceptional, and understand the philosophy that inspired them. We propose an intimate tour of three of his most iconic works: the Luis Barragán House, Casa Gilardi, or Casa Pedregal.
Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2004, the Luis Barragán House is the architect's masterpiece. Located in the Miguel Hidalgo borough of Mexico City, this residence was Barragán's home and studio from 1948 until he died in 1988.
Walking through its rooms is like entering the artist's mind. Every space, every detail, reveals his passion for light, color, and Mexican tradition. The vibrantly colored walls, the courtyards with fountains, and the lush vegetation create an atmosphere of serenity and harmony.
In the Luis Barragán House, time seems to stand still. It is a place for contemplation, to connect with the essence of emotional architecture that Barragán so strongly advocated.
Casa Gilardi, built between 1975 and 1977, is one of Barragán's last works. Located in the San Miguel Chapultepec neighborhood, this residence is characterized by its bold use of color and light.
The most iconic element of the house is the indoor pool, a magical space where water, light, and color merge into an unforgettable sensory experience. Mexican pink, yellow, and intense blue create a vibrant and energetic atmosphere.
Casa Gilardi is an example of Barragán's creative maturity, where architecture becomes an artistic expression that transcends functionality.
Casa Pedregal, designed in 1950, is nestled in a volcanic landscape south of Mexico City. This residence, conceived as a complex of houses and gardens, is an example of the integration of architecture with nature.
Barragán took advantage of the topography of the site to create spaces that blend with the environment. The volcanic stone walls, the terraces with panoramic views, and the native vegetation merge into a harmonious and contemplative experience.
Casa Pedregal is a testament to Barragán's vision, who sought to create spaces that respected nature and celebrated the beauty of the Mexican landscape.
The Colima 71 experience is not limited to the contemplation of architecture. Following in the footsteps of Luis Barragán, we invite you to discover the authentic flavors of Mexico City. At the end of the tour of the chosen house, we will take you to a traditional taqueria, a place that Barragán himself frequented and where you can taste the essence of Mexican cuisine.
For Barragán, the aesthetic experience was not limited to architectural space. The enjoyment of good food, in a simple and authentic atmosphere, was part of his philosophy of life. "Architecture should also be a feast for the palate," he used to say.
Imagine savoring some tacos al pastor, with their combination of sweet, salty, and spicy flavors, in a traditional and lively atmosphere. An experience that will allow you to connect with Mexican culture from a different perspective.
Ready to immerse yourself in the universe of Luis Barragán and discover the magic of his spaces? Colima 71 offers you a signature experience that combines architecture, design, and gastronomy.
This is what awaits you:
Book your experience here and discover the essence of Luis Barragán's emotional architecture.
Colima 71
Colima 71
January 8, 2025
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Colima 71
Colima 71
January 8, 2025
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Colima 71
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