Colour Complex

Gilardi House

Louis Barragan

Tacubaya, Mexico

1976

 

Barragan revolutionized modern architecture in the country with his use of bright colours reminiscent of the traditional architecture of Mexico.

He plays with colour and light in his house.

It constitutes a synthesis of different types of colour uses.

Colour features are the essential component of the architectural experience.

 

 

Yellow front hallway

 

• The hallway looks bright yellow as sunlight is fed through vertical slits pierced along the whole wall- at the back of which is yellow painted glazing. The coloured light is then projected onto the inner walls and clings to the thick white roughcast (walls)

• Walking down hallway: see series of perspective views, with blue aura at end.

• Louis played on the way colour dapples against the water and explored how coloured juxtaposed surfaces can interact with one another. And also focused on the visual effect created by placing three primary colours in the same sight line, namely yellow against blue and red against blue.

• Contrast of colours: Dramatically accentuates each of the two tones, generating a pulsating yet surreal sensation

• There is a play of contrast between warn and cool tones.

 

 

 

The importance he accorded to colours reveals just how completely the Mexican spirit had become intertwined with his design approach.

He said, “What I am interested is in applying the meaning of traditional architecture to modern buildings.”

Was his determination to renew traditions.