Volterre Loves: The Colorful Repose of Luis Barragán's Architecture
Cuadra San Cristobal, horse stables designed by the architect.
Known for his bright colorblocking, signature use of pink, and geometric shapes, Mexican midcentury-modern architect Luis Barragán has been at the top of our obsession list.
Casa Gilardi, the last house he designed, would later be inhabited by James Turrell.
Bright colorblocks accent the indoor wading pool at Casa Gilardi.
With a reputation for playing with surreal cubist shapes that starkly contrast, yet complement, the natural backdrops surrounding his work, he’s a true master of composition. Barragán’s work, which can be found throughout his home country of Mexico, often displays clever studies of color and and light: Angled window cut-outs create repetitive shadows against the earth, while geometric pools are juxtaposed against warm-hued facades.
Barragán’s work gives off a energy of lighthearted leisure - creating settings perfect for the women of Jacquemus’ ‘La Bomba’ or Sim Aaron’s luxurious European vacationers. We’re just about ready to take off to Mexico City and lounge by a Barragán pool - now all we need is a pair of color-spiked sunglasses to match the setting.
Jacquemus’ “La Bomba.”
Slim Aarons.
