Capilla en Tlalpan..
...by Pete Lackey

In this project Barragan uses rich, tactile materials and light to create a strongly mystical ambience. The chapel's walls are roughly textured, painted in a luminous lemon color. The floors, made of large wooden planks, release a honey-colored glow.

Two daylight sources filter and transform light. A yellow painted concrete lattice wall at the rear of the chapel, and a golden glass window help to soften natural light that enters the space. The second light source is hidden from view and illuminates the large wooden cross from the side, projecting a cruciform shadow on the altar. A plain wooden lattice separates the main chapel from the small one where the novices pray. There the ceiling is lower, and does not reach the main chapel's wall, therefore allowing filtered natural light to enter from above.



4.203 Geometric Modeling
Spring 1994
Instructor: Takehiko Nagakura

Project: Capilla en Tlalpan
Location: Tlalpan, Mexico
Architect: Luis Barragan
Year: 1952
Software: Autocad R12, 3D Studio v3.5,
and Photoshop



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Last modified: Sun Jun 9 05:24:59 EDT 1996