Exploring Luis Barragán's Legacy: An Immersive Workshop at Universidad Panamaricana´s School of Architecture
November 12th to 15th, 2024
As part of the renowned Arquitopics event series, the School of Architecture at Universidad Panamericana organized an intensive workshop dedicated to the life and work of the legendary Mexican architect Luis Barragán. This initiative aimed to immerse students in the profound legacy of one of Mexico’s most celebrated architects, whose influence continues to resonate globally.
Luis Barragán, awarded the prestigious Pritzker Prize in 1980—the highest accolade in architecture—gained international recognition for his concept of emotional architecture. His distinctive approach astonished the global architectural community, establishing him as a central figure in the discipline. While much of his work known today stems from the later decades of his career, Barragán's impact extends far beyond his built projects, reflecting his multifaceted identity as both a visionary architect and an astute entrepreneur.
Despite his prominence, Barragán's design philosophy, inspirations, and influences remain less widely understood. His memories, travels, and the deeply personal elements that shaped his work are often shrouded in myth. For this reason, the Universidad Panamericana’s Aguascalientes campus crafted this immersive workshop to ensure that its architecture students gain a deeper understanding of Barragán’s contributions and insights as a cornerstone of their cultural and professional education.
Guided by Barragán’s iconic phrase, “Don’t go see my work, go see what I saw,” the four-day program combined theoretical and practical elements designed to delve into the essence of his approach.
Theoretical Insights: A Visionary's Life and Work
The workshop commenced with a keynote presentation by Dr. Enrique X. de Anda Alanís, a distinguished scholar renowned for his extensive research on Luis Barragán. Dr. de Anda provided an in-depth analysis of Barragán’s life, offering unique perspectives on his artistic and professional journey. Attendees explored the architect’s key influences, his travels, and his innovative approach to real estate development, which granted him the financial freedom to pursue his creative vision. This segment illuminated the synergy between Barragán’s business acumen and his architectural genius, broadening participants’ understanding of the professional possibilities within architecture.
Practical Exploration: Crafting Emotion Through Design
The workshop’s practical component, led by Dr. Shunichiro Higashi from Kyoto Arts and Crafts University (KYOBI), focused on applying Barragán’s principles. Dr. Higashi introduced attendees to techniques inspired by Josef Albers, emphasizing memory, emotion, and the strategic use of color in design. Participants engaged in hands-on exercises that reflected Barragán’s methods, creating models and compositions that showcased their newfound understanding of his approach.
Transformative Impact
The workshop concluded with a compelling display of the participants’ work, demonstrating the depth of their engagement and the knowledge they had gained. For many students, this experience marked a pivotal moment in their academic and professional journeys. Equipped with Barragán-inspired techniques and insights, they are now better prepared to integrate emotional resonance and artistic excellence into their future designs, contributing meaningfully to their clients and society.
By bridging theoretical exploration with practical application, the School of Architecture at Universidad Panamericana reaffirmed its commitment to cultivating a profound appreciation for architectural heritage while empowering the next generation of architects to innovate and excel.
