19 Hannia Gómez, El Cerrito. Gio Ponti's Masterpiece in Caracas, Caracas, Anala Foundation and Armando Planchard, 2009. 20 This circumstance makes it difficult to determine the original color in a stratigraphic study, in addition to the chromatic variations caused by sunlight and rainfall. Barragán concluded his architectural work with two smaller projects that have been very well preserved, both in col- laboration with Alberto Chauvet. On the one hand, the 1977 house for Francisco Gilardi is set on a small plot of land, so it does not have the usual garden but is organized around a courtyard presided over by a huge jacaranda tree. Here the pool-dining room offers a singular solution, both for the relationship between two dissimilar activities such as eating and swimming, and for the spatial composition very close to Neoplasticism; a red trail cuts the blue body of the water, where the sun introduces morning reflections and the diner enjoys the spatial contact with the courtyard. On the other hand, the 1980 residence for Barbara Meyer, the architect's personal friend, remains faithful to his emotional precepts; in this case, it is worth noting the careful design of the interior and furniture, in order to achieve a space of seclusion and reverie, where the measured use of light plays a fundamental role. with spatial solutions. On the one hand, the emphasis on gar- dens and bodies of water should be noted, and on the other, the care invested in the solution of small architectural details, designing cabinets, as well as door and window elements. A theme that was always fundamental for this architect was color and finishes, so much has been said about his rescue of popular architecture coloring and the collaboration of Jesús Reyes Ferreira, without forgetting the influence of Josef Albers. It is also known that in order to decide on the color to paint a given wall, he had it painted in its entirety to be able to make a decision, sometimes changing the tone before reaching the final solution. 20 Therefore, it is surprising to see that this residence has nothing to do with tones of Mexican roots, on the contrary, it is about tones and shades of a range emanating from a Renaissance spirit. A new trip to Europe by Barragán, including a stay in Tus- cany, and a tour of Morocco, would mark his later work. The first result would be a unique vacation home on the beach of Majahua, Col., in 1953, with small dimensions, but with an extraordinary integration to the wild tropical landscape. As for Antonio Gálvez's 1955 residence, it is worth noting a particular search in the management of light and the fluid organization of spaces. Designed for a well-to-do family, the house has public areas that open onto a large garden, with Clara Porset's participation in the interior design. Here the entrance courtyard is noteworthy, which looks to recover ele- ments of vernacular construction, while housing a small-con- cealed fountain that, through a large window, shares its joy with the interior. This work is located in the San Angel area and has been maintained in excellent condition under the care of the original owners. Among the real estate developments undertaken by Bar- ragán, Las Arboledas of 1958-1961, in the north of Mexico City, which by 1964 was annexed to Los Clubes, also stands out. In the latter, a singular project is located, the house for Folke Egerstrom that contains the San Cristóbal block, built in collaboration with Andrés Casillas in 1967. The residence is shown as a measured and functional construction, with emotional and even surprising areas. However, it is in the meticulous design of the stables where the architect's passion for horseback riding becomes evident, as they became the focal point of the property; it is curious that, for this building, he restored the sloping vernacular roof, while the large patio with the drinking fountain, an element reminiscent of the haciendas of his childhood, is also present.
W Luis Barragán, Casa Gilardi, 1977, Tacubaya, México D.F. Fachada y comedor. W Luis Barragán, Casa Gilardi, 1977, Tacubaya, Mexico City. Facade and dinning room.
R Planta Casa Gilardi. R Casa Gilardi plan.
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Movimiento Moderno / Modern Movement
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