When I was introduced to the work of Mexican architect Luis Barragán, I couldn’t understand why anyone would think of modern architecture as a cold discipline.
Looking back on my architecture training, one of my fondest memories was artist Lauretta Vinciarelli's Graphic Arts class, where she asked a roomful of Columbia undergraduates to render the captivating work of Luis Barragán on paper. Fifty pink Prismacolor pencils and a term later, I was on my way to becoming an architect.
Above: Barragán developed his own take on modernism, with the use of vivid colors and textural contrast as shown here in the Caudra San Christobál stables, designed in 1966.
Above: Barragán is regarded as one of the most important architects of the 20th century, and his buildings are memorable for their mastery of space and light.
Above: At Caudra San Christobál stables, there is a sequence of horse pools.
Above: Barragán was also a landscape architect; his sculptural forms and bright colors accentuate the natural surroundings.
Above: Water features are a common theme in the architect's work.