Legorreta

Legorreta left the Villagran office because he did not believe in the modernist designs that seemed emotionless and too rational.  He then went on to pursue designing in a way that was more in line with the Mexican culture than the modern design vocabulary.  I would say that Legorreta’s Solana and Camino Real Hotel, Extapa projects seem to respect the address culture and climate fairly well.

Camino Real really takes advantage of the site with the cascading terraces down the hillside to the cliffs below.  This design allows the user to experience the climate with the use of shading and natural breezes.  The design vocabulary seem to be respectful of the Mexican culture as well.  The form of the terraces are reminiscent to Mayan temple pyramids that are found throughout the region.  Culturally I would guess the project is in line with the local culture.  It’s hard to say considering this is a resort that is likely used primarily used by foreigners from the north.  That being said, the foreign guests would get a good taste of some quality Mexican architecture.

I found the Solana project less convincing in that it looks very modern, contrasting with Legorreta’s abandonment of the modernist vocabulary.  The planes at the main entrance seem very modern in my opinion, but some of the various site elements remind me of Barragon’s work.  It looks like there is lots of opportunity for natural ventilation in the screened masonry walls which is respectful of the local climate.  Culturally this building probably looks like what Dallas architecture should look like and seems appropriate for the southwest region.