Architects to Discuss Mexican Modernism

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Mexico

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Every summer, UA architecture students experience firsthand the richness of Mexican architecture, from the jungle-shrouded ruins of Mesoamerica to the stark geometries and saturated colors of Pritzker-prize-winning architect Luis Barragán. To celebrate 11 years of summer study opportunities in Mexico, the School of Architecture will host a two-day symposium, “Mexican Modernism: Architecture of the Mid-Twentieth Century,” Feb. 28 and March 1 on the University of Arkansas campus.

“Because the students work and study in the studio annex and garden designed by Luis Barragán each summer, we thought it would be interesting to focus discussion on the significance of mid-century Mexican modernism and the way it has shaped contemporary paradigms,” said Russell Rudzinski, assistant professor of architecture and director of the Mexico summer studio.

Co-sponsored by the School of Architecture and Witsell Evans & Rasco Architects/Planners, the symposium will feature three Mexican architects who have been closely involved in the summer program. Architect Fernando Vasconcelos will launch the symposium with a lecture at 1:30 p.m Monday in Giffels Auditorium. A principal with the Mexico City firm AVE Arquitectos, Vasconcelos will discuss his recent work, including a development in Guadalajara that is the largest construction project ever undertaken in Mexico.

A roundtable discussion moderated by Rudzinski will follow at 3:30 p.m in Vol Walker Hall, room 103. The discussion will focus on the legacy of mid-20th century architects such as Barragán, Juan O’Gorman, and Mario Pani on today’s generation of designers.

Spanish architect Miquel Adrià will present a lecture on mid-century modernism at 5:30 p.m. in Vol Walker Hall, room 103. In addition to practicing architecture in fABRica de arquitectura, the Mexico City firm he co-founded, he teaches at Tecnológico de Monterrey and edits the international architecture journal “Arquine.”

The symposium will conclude with a lecture by Victor Alcerreca at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday in Vol Walker Hall, room 103. A practicing architect and adjunct professor at Tecnológico de Monterrey, Alcerreca recently wrote the successful proposal to preserve the Casa Barragán and studio as a UNESCO world heritage site. He will discuss Luis Barragán’s work and influence. 

“Mexico proved to be very fertile ground for modern architecture. We are delighted to host a symposium on this topic, and to welcome these architects who have contributed to the success of our Mexico Summer Urban Studio,” said School of Architecture Dean Jeff Shannon.