La Cuadra San Cristóbal, the celebrated residence designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Luis Barragán, is set to be transformed into a vibrant cultural resource. Acquired by Mexican architect Fernando Romero in 2017, the 6.7-acre compound will undergo a phased upgrade over the next decade.
Romero, through his Fundación Fernando Romero, aims to protect the site's integrity while adding new pavilions designed by renowned architects, including a timber pavilion by Kengo Kuma. The project will also feature a permanent exhibition dedicated to Barragán's life and work, artist residency programs, a design gallery, a library, and various event spaces.
The initiative is driven by the belief that architectural innovation can enhance cultural vibrancy and foster a more just society. The first cultural event will commence next month with a talk by performance artist Marina Abramović, leading up to the opening of a permanent exhibition this autumn, curated by architect Jorge Covarrubias.
This exhibition will highlight Barragán's early modernist contributions in Mexico City, showcasing significant works such as Casa Gilardi and Torres de Satélite. Barragán's legacy, recognized with the Pritzker Prize in 1980 and the UNESCO World Heritage designation for his personal home in 2004, continues to inspire contemporary architecture and artistic endeavors.