Monumento a la Revolución, Mexico City

The architecture in what is defined as the Mexican territory has had a beautiful evolution and mixture throughout its history. Starting from pre-Hispanic Mexico through the colonial style to the Modern style. Mexican Architecture has an important international relevance. The combination of the different styles, the cultural, social and manners influence have merged into a unique and admirable style.

The world has given recognition to Mexican architecture, giving several of its cities the recognition of “Heritage of Humanity”. The beauty of its cities has earned Mexico to be the country with the most UNESCO recognitions in the American Continent.

Prehispanic Architecture

Within the Mexican territory, large architectural complexes have been developed that are preserved to this day. Mesoamerican civilizations achieved great development in the construction of temples and pyramids. They managed to have advanced studies of human and urban proportion with which they made perfect outlines of complete cities.

Teotihuacán, State Of Mexico

The different towns that made constructions within the Mexican territory have similarities in their designs and style. The lines of the cities are orthogonal with wide and functional streets. Pyramidal bases and courts were built to carry out ball games. Many of the cities had a poly-ethnic population. These cities with a mixture of customs and habits developed large communities with beautiful buildings that last.

Chichén-Itza, Quintana Roo

The stone and mortar are constructive elements that are used during this stage of Mexican pre-Hispanic architecture. The ceremonial temples were located in the center of the towns and were decorated with beautiful engravings and wall paintings.

The pyramids are the iconic and representative structures of the pre-Hispanic communities of ancient Mexico. They are structures with a square, symmetrical base with wide central stairs to access the top. On many occasions they were also decorated with monolithic sculptures. The stone carvings were generally of the deities of each town.

The house had an important development when it was built with wood, reed, adobe and stone. These materials facilitated the construction of more resistant and functional houses.

Most important pre-Hispanic buildings

Tajín, Veracruz

Many are the cities that still show us the majesty of pre-Hispanic times. Among the most important structures we can mention the Pyramid of the Niches, in Tajín, in Veracruz, the Pyramid of the Sun in Teotihuacán, El Templo Mayor in the center of Mexico City.

Also important are the Temple of Kukulkan in Chichen Itza, the Great Pyramid of Calakmul, in Campeche. The archaeological zone of Monte Albán is an attractive ceremonial center that exerted great religious, economic and social control of the current state of Oaxaca.

Colonial Mexican Architecture

With the arrival of the Spanish to the American continent, a fusion of styles took place that caused a new style the conquest and later the colonization by the Spanish on the indigenous peoples produced the mixture of styles of the new continent. From the conquest of Mexico in 1531 to Independence in 1810, a predominant style developed by the Spanish crown. The missions that arrived in Mexico imposed the construction designs used in Europe.

The Mexican baroque is a mixture of the two cultures.

The architecture of the colonial era is predominantly the construction of Catholic religious buildings. The Spanish crown had the need to control the conquered lands, which is why a large number of pre-Hispanic temples were destroyed. Due to this need to eliminate the beliefs of the natives, religious buildings were built on the ruins of pre-Hispanic places of worship.

Religious And Residential Architecture

During many years of colonization, many monasteries, churches and new cities were founded within Mexican territory. At this time the territory is divided into large lands known as Haciendas. The haciendas have constructions with influence of the Spanish style, but with the materials that are obtained in the area.

Santo Domingo Church, Puebla 

The colonial house is built within the new cities founded by the Spanish. These constructions were built with a fusion of pre-Hispanic and Spanish style. This combination is the result of what we now know as colonial Mexican architecture.

Characteristics of the colonial house

The colonial house is very similar to what was built in pre-Hispanic times. The design of the colonial houses gave more importance to the interior spaces. The rooms are built around a central courtyard or garden. The design plan is developed on a square or rectangular base. At the center is the patio or several patios that illuminate, ventilate and produce spaces for coexistence and communication.

The patios are surrounded by corridors or walkways that connect the patio with the rooms. These corridors produce shade and protect from the sun and rain. In addition to that they allow the construction of superior walkers on them. The courtyards of the colonial house are surrounded by colonnades that support the mezzanine and upper slabs. The rooms communicate with each other thanks to the exterior corridors and in some cases they communicate internally.

Colonial courtyards usually place a fountain in the center. The function of the fountain goes beyond the decorative. The movement of water refreshes the environments. Bringing fresh air into each room.

Modern Mexican Architecture

Modern Mexican architecture is considered from the consummation of the Mexican Revolution. During the first half of the 20th century, the world was convulsed by world wars. From there, the Art Nouveau and Art Deco movements developed in Europe. These two movements are considered modern architecture and migrate to America mixing with the needs and culture of the Latin American peoples.

Colonial House, Morelos

Modern architecture is versatile and adapts the same for Europe as for America. Upon arriving in Latin America, the architects made a fusion of combining past and present. This new architecture adapts to the needs of the new world.

Construction in Mexico had an evolution that gave priority to the human being. Architectural artists have in their hands to solve social problems such as providing functional and attractive housing. They must also resolve the construction of Universities, public spaces, administrative and government buildings.

Arquitectura mexicana moderna

Modern Mexican architecture is considered from the consummation of the Mexican Revolution. During the first half of the 20th century, the world was convulsed by world wars. From there, the Art Nouveau and Art Deco movements developed in Europe. These two movements are considered modern architecture and migrate to America mixing with the needs and culture of the Latin American peoples.

Modern architecture is versatile and adapts the same for Europe as for America. Upon arriving in Latin America, the architects made a fusion of combining past and present. This new architecture adapts to the needs of the new world. Construction in Mexico had an evolution that gave priority to the human being. Architectural artists have in their hands to solve social problems such as providing functional and attractive housing. They must also resolve the construction of Universities, public spaces, administrative and government buildings.

The Functionalist Mexican Architects

The design omits the lavish decoration, sticks to simple lines and comes much closer to the optimal functionality of the building. The trend is towards the minimalist. The Mexican architects who marked the design line were Luis Barragán, Ricardo Legorreta and Juan O’Gorman. On many occasions modern architects were considered functionalists.

Casa Luis Barragán, Mexico City

But inevitably a cultural combination of the strong Mexican roots with the modern trend emerges. Then the brick, wood and color of the old colonial style mix with steel and simple shapes.

Luis Barragán’s works are defined by simple spaces shaped by basic requirements, resolved with traditional structures but adapted to modern times.

Modern architecture is developed for the needs of the Mexican. Although it is influenced by the European style, Mexican culture prevails in the use of materials and with a beautiful use of color. We invite you to know our architectural projects, just follow the links and hire our services.

Current Mexican Architecture

Currently, within Mexican architecture, avant-garde projects are being built that set trends worldwide. The Soumaya Museum, The organic architecture of Javier Senosiain, The Baroque museum of Puebla, The complete work of Pedro Ramírez Vázquez, the influence of Teodoro González de León, to mention just a sample of great Mexican architecture.

Museo Soumaya, Mexico City