Flick by way of ‘Casa Mexicana’, an ode to Mexican properties

Residential design and Mexican structure make for an thrilling mixture, so when Casa Mexicana, a brand new e book from Thames & Hudson, landed on our desk, we have been thrilled. Not solely that, however the publication options the putting imagery of architectural photographer and common Wallpaper* contributor Edmund Sumner, and has been penned by Wallpaper* editor Jonathan Bell, making this a must-read for style fans around the globe.

Flick by way of the pages of ‘Casa Mexicana’

The captivatingly designed tome presents a lush exploration of among the greatest homes in Mexico, mixing retreats and first properties, city and rural. Hanging varieties current modern twists to the native vernacular, whereas fashionable interpretations of brutalist structure and minimalist getaways will entice even probably the most demanding reader.

The richness of the nation’s architectural providing is introduced in all its panorama and selection, from formal explorations to numerous supplies, because the e book spans something from handmade straw surfaces, timber constructions, torn brick, and native stone, balancing custom and innovation, captured expertly by way of Sumner’s lens.

The photographer says about his inspiration for the e book, and his ardour for documenting Mexican structure: ‘Mexico has infectious optimism within the air. The individuals I meet, the designers I work with, the structure I shoot there are all united by a way of curiosity, confidence and the purest, most understated type. It’s a scene with an eye fixed on the previous however one foot firmly sooner or later, a “primal future” whose affect is now exploding onto the worldwide stage.’

He continues: ‘If there’s one phrase to explain how my work has left traces throughout completely different continents, it’s ‘dialog’. Whereas pictures is a visible medium, I hope my work serves as a conduit by way of which to deliver conversations of rising structure to a world stage. It’s an honour and a privilege to be so deeply embedded in Mexico. It has a scene like no different.’

The publication is structured round 4 chapters, every specializing in a unfastened typological grouping, together with sections that look into household properties, experimental buildings, dwell/work areas and retreats. Examples of buildings in it embody Casa Alferez by Ludwig Godefroy, Casa Wabi by Tadao Ando, Casa Reyes by Pedro Reyes and Casa Tiny by Aranza de Ariño.

Casa Mexicana’s 26 case research are accompanied by architectural plans and drawings, whereas the properties are launched with a considerate essay by architect Fernanda Canales, who’s a deft hand in residential design for all scales and budgets – from Casa Bruma to her socially minded creations Casa Eva and Casa Productiva. Canales can be featured on this e book with two of her newest tasks, Casa Terreno and Casa 720.

A flexible and considerate architect, Canales explores in her preface ‘What makes a home Mexican?’ A becoming query, maybe, in an age of fast development and globalisation in lots of components of the world. Whereas this can be true in some instances, in Mexico, the nation’s distinctive mix of influences, spanning colonial buildings, Aztec and Mayan historical past, haciendas, Islamic nods, Native American heritage, and modernist structure visions, have resulted in a significant, site-specific structure that not solely serves its function superbly, however really delights.

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