In the heart of Mexico City, Casa Gilardi was designed by Luis Barragán, one of Mexico’s most acclaimed architects. Built between 1975 and 1977, this project represents Barragán’s last masterpiece, embodying his unique integration of modernism with the essence of Mexican tradition. Casa Gilardi is a powerful expression of Barragán’s approach to architecture, showcasing a masterful interplay of light, color, and form that remains captivating and inspirational.
Casa Gilardi Technical Information
- Architects: Luis Barragan
- Location: Tacubaya, Mexico City, Mexico
- Topics: Mexican Houses, Pink Architecture
- Area: 430 m2
- Project Years: 1975-1977
- Photographs: See Caption Details
I have always believed that the ‘magic’ of certain places is inseparable from their silence, their tranquility, and their mystery.
– Luis Barragan 2
Casa Gilardi Photographs
The Genesis of Casa Gilardi
Casa Gilardi emerged from the vision of advertising executive Francisco Gilardi, who sought to construct a home that would reflect his lifestyle and personal aspirations. Located south of Bosque de Chapultepec Park and near Barragán’s residence, the plot chosen for the project was in a densely populated area, presenting a unique challenge for the architect. After a decade of professional inactivity, 80-year-old Barragán accepted the challenge, setting the stage for creating this work.
The design of Casa Gilardi responds to its urban context and its owner’s specific requests. The house is notable for its introverted layout, which prioritizes internal spaces and the central courtyard around an existing jacaranda tree. This spatial arrangement is a hallmark of Barragán’s approach, emphasizing privacy, introspection, and the seamless integration of nature within the built environment.
The house’s structure is divided into two main volumes connected by a corridor, framing the courtyard and the jacaranda tree. The front volume houses the service areas and bedrooms. In contrast, the rear volume contains the living room, dining area, and indoor swimming pool—a key feature requested by Gilardi for his daily use and social gatherings.
A Canvas of Light and Color
Barragán’s use of color in Casa Gilardi is strategic and symbolic, drawing inspiration from Mexican culture and artists like Chucho Reyes. The vibrant colors—from the bright pink façades to the magenta of a free wall element—create a dynamic interplay with natural light, changing the perception of spaces throughout the day. The architect’s meticulous attention to color is evident in his detailed planning and experimentation, resulting in a palette that enhances the house’s architectural form and sensory experience.
The integration of light is equally significant, with Barragán employing it as a sculptural element. Strategic openings and skylights channel light into the interior, highlighting textures, enhancing colors, and creating dramatic contrasts. The play of light and shadow is a critical aspect of the house’s aesthetic, contributing to its spiritual and contemplative atmosphere.
Perhaps the most striking feature of Casa Gilardi is the swimming pool area, which serves as the home’s focal point. This space, originally intended as a functional area, was transformed into a complex interplay of water, light, and color through Barragán’s design process. Due to Gilardi’s input, the dining room’s adjacency to the pool blurs the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces, creating a unique setting for socializing and relaxation. The area is characterized by its color transitions, reflections, and the strategic use of skylights, emphasizing the architect’s skill in creating emotionally resonant spaces.
Interesting Facts about Casa Gilardi
- Last Residential Project: Casa Gilardi, completed in 1976, was the last residential project Barragán designed before his death.
- Color Play: The house is famous for its vibrant use of color, particularly the intense blue and yellow walls. Barragán used color as a fundamental element in creating mood and atmosphere within the spaces.
- Famous Pool: The house features a rectangular indoor pool that cuts across the interior space, reflecting light and color. This pool has become one of the most photographed elements of the house and a symbol of Barragán’s work.
- Inspiration from Nature: Barragán was inspired by the natural elements surrounding the site and integrated them into the design. The house’s courtyard is centered around a jacaranda tree, which becomes a focal point during its blooming season.
- Minimalistic Yet Rich: Despite its minimalist aesthetic, Casa Gilardi is rich in texture and materiality. Barragán combined simple materials like concrete and plaster to create a sense of luxury and warmth.
- Collaboration with Artists: Barragán collaborated with various artists for the interiors, including Mathias Goeritz, whose work on emotional architecture is reflected in the house’s design, emphasizing the emotional response to space.
- Privacy and Seclusion: The house’s exterior is understated and almost fortress-like, with few windows visible from the street. This creates a sense of seclusion and privacy, which was important to Barragán’s design philosophy.
- Living Art: Casa Gilardi is often described as a “living art piece” due to its harmonious blend of architecture, light, and color. It is not just a house but an experience that engages all the senses.
- Legacy of the Gilardi Family: The house is still owned by the Gilardi family, who commissioned Barragán to design it. They preserve the house as intended initially, allowing it to be a living museum of Barragán’s work.
- Influence on Contemporary Architecture: Casa Gilardi has influenced numerous architects and designers worldwide. Its bold use of color, integration of nature, and focus on sensory experience continue to inspire contemporary architectural practice.
Casa Gilardi Plans
Casa Gilardi Image Gallery
About Luis Barragan
Luis Barragán (1902-1988) was a pioneering Mexican architect and engineer whose work profoundly influenced modern architecture’s international discourse. Born in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Barragán’s architectural philosophy was deeply rooted in a blend of modernist principles and Mexico’s rich vernacular traditions. This created a unique style characterized by vibrant colors, play of light and shadow, and serene spaces that foster contemplation and spiritual tranquility.
After studying engineering in his hometown and architecture in Europe, where he was influenced by the Mediterranean landscape and the works of Le Corbusier and Ferdinand Bac, Barragán returned to Mexico to develop a body of work that included private homes, public buildings, and masterful garden designs. He was awarded the Pritzker Architecture Prize in 1980, becoming the first Mexican architect to receive this prestigious accolade.
Notes & Additional Credits
- Luis Barragán: His House by by Daniel Garza Usabiaga, Juan Palomar, Alfonso Alfaro, Luis Barragàn
- Luis Barragán: The Complete Works by Raúl Rispa
- Barragan: Space and Shadow, Walls and Colour by Daniele Pauly
