Legorreta

How would you define his architectural accomplishments for the two projects Solana and Camino Real Hotel, Extapa related to culture and climate?

The Salana project in Dallas TX, in my opinion does not fit it’s context. It stands out like a sore thumb with its bad architecture and bright colors. Legorreta’s Camino Real Hotel in Mexico does a much better job at fitting into it’s context. Even though it has bright colors, it is successful because it only uses one bright color. Not many, as Solana does. The architecture is formed to the landscape, completely emulating the mountains. The design has been much more thought out. I appreciate the fact that Legorreta takes the climate into consideration by controlling where the air conditioning will and will not occur. He pays close attention to the way the space folds out before you, and the way that it feels. He shows in this piece of work that the climate, not only the design, effects the user. He creates three different climates within the space, encouraging the user to emotionally experience the architecture. Solana could learn a thing or two from the Camino Hotel. It looks like colorful blocks merely being placed next to, and on top of.