ARCHIVO BARRAGAN

“I think that the ideal space must contain elements of magic, serenity, sorcery and mystery.”

- Luis Barragan

Luis Barragan was known for his emphasis on the beauty, mystery, and serenity that comes from solitude in private spaces. While creating a concept for an archive, we heavily considered finding a balance between the solitude that Barragan championed and the unavoidable social elements of public buildings. A brick perforated wall creates a mysterious space that draws a person in but does not give away all the secrets that lie within. The conditions of the archive and exhibit are implied, but never expressly revealed from the exterior. As our team developed our concept, we realized the importance of creating an environment that champions individual contemplation, while offering patrons the ability to reflect on the artful nature of Barragan’s catalog.