Luis Barragan

One of the key figures in modern architecture, Luis Barragán's influence has travelled far beyond his Mexican homeland, culminating in the award of architecture's most prestigious accolade, the Pritzker Prize, in 1980. His architecture represents a personal vision; inspired by the vernacular style of his native country, a love of Moorish architecture and a desire for spiritual beauty and harmony with nature, he set about creating serenity and enchantment in his buildings and gardens. Photographer René Burri visited Barragán and photographed his work on several trips to Mexico in the 1960s and 1970s. Here he pays tribute to his friend, reflecting the spirit of the man, capturing the essence of his architecture, and creating the sense of peace and contemplation that is at the heart of his work.