Luis Barragán

Mexican architect who revolutionized modern architecture through emotional use of color and light

Luis Barragán (1902–1988) redefined modern architecture by blending vernacular Mexican elements with surrealist poetry. His iconic emotional use of pink, yellow, and crimson broke from the sterile grays of International Style, seen masterfully in the Jardines del Pedregal residential development and his own Casa Estudio.

Barragán's 1947 UNESCO-listed Casa Luis Barragán demonstrates how walls become 'emotional surfaces' through strategic light filtration. He integrated horses and fountains as living sculptures, creating contemplative spaces that influenced architects like Tadao Ando.

Despite limited built works, his 1980 Pritzker Prize citation praised lyrical landscapes marrying surrealism and tradition. The Torres de Satélite monoliths remain Mexico City's boldest chromatic landmark.