Luis Barragán quotes

The Art of Seeing. It is essential to an architect to know how to see: I mean, to see in such a way that the vision is not overpowered by rational analysis. (Luis Barragán)

Any work of architecture which does not express serenity is a mistake.

Luis Barragán

I think that the ideal space must contain elements of magic, serenity, sorcery and mystery.

Luis Barragán

I believe that architects should design gardens to be used, as much as the houses they build, to develop a sense of beauty and the taste and inclination toward the fine arts and other spiritual values.

Luis Barragán

I don't divide architecture, landscape and gardening; to me they are one.

Luis Barragán

My house is my refuge, an emotional piece of architecture, not a cold piece of convenience.

Luis Barragán

Architecture is a art when one consciously or unconsciously creates aesthetic emotion in the atmosphere and when this environment produces well being.

Luis Barragán

Life deprived of beauty is not worthy of being called human.

Luis Barragán

Beauty is the oracle that speaks to us all.

Luis Barragán

A garden must combine the poetic and the mysterious with a feeling of serenity and joy.

Luis Barragán

Only in intimate communion with solitude may man find himself. Solitude is good company and my architecture is not for those who fear or shun it. (Luis Barragán)

It is impossible to understand Art and the glory of its history without avowing religious spirituality and the mythical roots that lead us to the very reason of being of the artistic phenomenon. Without the one or the other there would be no Egyptian pyramids, nor those of ancient Mexico. Would the Greek temples and Gothic cathedrals have existed?

Luis Barragán

Beauty, Inspiration, Magic, Spellbound, Enchantment, as well as the concepts of Serenity, Silence, Intimacy and Amazement. [...] They have never ceased to be my guiding lights.

Luis Barragán

Don't ask me about this building or that one, don't look at what I do, see what I see.

Luis Barragán

All architecture, which does not express serenity, fails in its spiritual mission. Thus, it has been a mistake to abandon the shelter of walls for the inclemency of large areas of glass.

Luis Barragán