The Architect’s Eye - Discoveries from our Travels - Mexico City

Mexico City - November 2023

We visited Mexico City for the AIA International Conference. It was such a treat to see Mexico City with local architects who showed us the delights of the city! We visited three houses designed by the famous Mexican architect Luis Barragan. He won the Pritzker Prize in 1980. He is known for his use of color which is amazing and his sculptural staircases. The two rows are from Casa Jardin Ortega, the first house he designed for himself in 1942. The next three rows with the pink wall are from his house Casa Barragan which he lived in for 40 years. The final ones are from the last house he designed in 1978 Casa Gilardi.

Ancient Pyramids

The top row is from Tula which was the ancient capital of the Toltecs 850 to 1150 BC. It is the only ancient pyramid where one is allowed to climb to the top. You can see how steep it is with Jane ascending. The second row is the Pyramids of Teotihuacan which was active from 400 BC until the 7th Century AD. The inhabitants were Mayan, Mixtec and Azpotee. The bottom photo is Tenochtitlan which was the Aztec Capital circa 1325 until it was captured by the Spanish in 1521. Tenochititlan is in the middle of present day Mexico City. The Aztec choose the location because their ancient lore said they should settle when they came upon an eagle eating a snake on top of a cactus, which happened on an island in the middle of the lake.

Day of the Dead

The Day of the Dead was being celebrated while we were in Mexico City. There were Day of the Dead altars in most buildings we visited. The city bus even got in the spirit. The final photo is from the archaeological museum and we were stuck on how contemporary the head looked; like a Cubist head.