Jul 31, 2008
BAC Instructors:
Luis Montalvo John Pilling
Designing Together - A Parallel Studio about Living in the Américas
Aki Ichizuka
Sierra Del Tigre
our first meal together in ajijic, the leisurely drive along the chappala lake, the first of the many drinking nights that is to follow--i found it hard to believe that i was at work only a day ago. i swore to myself i will not check my email and not wear my watch throughout the trip. i wanted to leave behind a life that was controlled by time, work, and school. the rural mexico gave me the opportunity to relax, breathe, and realize some of the more important things in life.
AJIJIC
power of faith.
the first sight of how extensively christianity has permeated every facet of mexican life.
MAZAMITLA
solitude.
this man in barragan’s hometown reminded me of the isolation he pursued in his work.
MANZANILLA
music and tequilla
this gentleman’s fulfilled look while listening to the three-hour mariachi marathon and drinking tequiilla must be representative of most of his fellow mexican men in such a circumstance.
LA TIENDA NUEVA
simplicity
this was one of the most poignant moment throughout the trip--seeing the villagers go about their daily lives, in such humble and simple homes. their smiles seemed to exude not only happiness, but a wisdom that made me re-realize the priorities in life
CONCEPTION DE BUENOS AIRES
nice to meet you, senor URZUA
getting to know urzua was perhaps one of the most pleasant surprises during this trip. i really would like to study more about him.
shrine
each tomb serves as a shrine of the dead for the living. some were as big as 6’x 8’ glass structure. fresh flowers indicate that family/friends made their visit recently.
urzua homes
spanish influence and the importance of having a central courtyardis made apparent in urzua’s homes. religious iconography can be seen in everywhere in the home and garden. the upkeep of these homes is of such importance to preserve both history and ancestoral heritage.
Guadalajara
holy...orozco.
this mural totally exceeded my expectations. the scale, the colors, and strokes--all demonstrated magnificent power a mural can convey. my fixation was on the eyes and fists of orozco’s subjects.
CABANAS
texture
the details embedded in goeritz’s signature gold leaf canvas was a new discovery.
MERCADO
food court
i only wish food court in the US was anything close to what i saw here--good variety and good taste.
URZUA’S ZEN HOUSE
this urzua architecture demonstrates some of japanese design aesthetics. i truly appreciated the intermediate spaces that was more japaneseque than the homes we saw in conception de buenos aires.
CHRISTO HOUSE
okay
not too impressed. i’m sorry, luis.
LUNA HOUSE
better
loved the roof garden. there were some signs of what is to become of his signature designs
BARRAGAN CHAPEL
way better
the simple cross in the night sky made this chapel seem even more sacred
Travel Observations
Click on a Longstudiero name to see their photos, commentary, and sketches
Click below for Aki’s other pages:
