This week in studio began with the discussion of beauty as a concept that can be translated into architectural form. A source referred to throughout the lecture was Luis Barragan's ceremonial acceptance speech for the 1980 Pritzker Architecture Prize. Since the focus of discussion for this semester is the exploration of beauty in architecture, it seems only fitting to start with an architect for whom "Beauty, Inspiration, Magic, Spellbound and Enchantment," never ceased to be, "his guiding lights."
“I have devoted myself to architecture as a sublime act of poetic imagination. Consequently, I am only a symbol for all those who have been touched by beauty. The words Beauty, Inspiration, Magic, Spellbound, Enchantment, as well as the concepts of Serenity, Silence, Intimacy and Amazement, all these have nestled in my soul.
-Luis Barragan