The Urbanist Urban icons: Luis Barragán’s Mexico City, Hästen 21 and the London Eye
May 8, 2025
Julia Barfield, a designer from Marks Barfield Architects, co-created the iconic London Eye, while Martin Luque is an architect deeply connected to the legacy of Luis Barragán, particularly Casa Guilardi. They discuss how architectural marvels like the London Eye and Barragán's works shape urban identities. The enriching complexities of spirituality in Barragán's designs are highlighted alongside the innovative construction challenges of the Eye. They also reflect on the vibrant transformation of London’s South Bank and its future sustainability initiatives.
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Sunlight Shapes Religious Space
- Luis Barragán's Capuchin Chapel uses sunlight to create religious rituals through architectural form.
- The chapel's design carefully times sunlight reflections to enhance the sisters' spiritual activities.
Barragán's Emotional Design Tactics
- Barragán’s architecture seduces visitors with shifting light and color that evoke emotional reactions.
- He conceals windows and guides people to discover views gradually, creating a profound spatial experience.
Creative Synthesis Behind Designs
- Barragán synthesized diverse influences including philosophy, poetry, and art into deeply personal architecture.
- His creative process involved extensive reading, travel, and dialogue with intellectuals to refine his designs.