Learning by Inhabiting: Restoring and Living Luis Barragán’s Casa Pedregal

In the southern part of Mexico City lies a sprawling expanse of volcanic rock, remnants of an ancient lava flow. In 1944, visionary architect Luis Barragán recognized the striking beauty of this rugged terrain and acquired over 900 acres of this undeveloped land. Drawing inspiration from its unique features, Barragan initiated his most ambitious project, Jardines del Pedregal, a midcentury development that became legendary for its Modern elegance and sophistication. Barragan completed the first major Modernist residence built there, Casa Pedregal, for his friend, attorney Eduardo Prieto López. Completed in 1952, it remains as his largest residential work and is widely celebrated as a masterpiece of architectural and landscape design.

César Cervantes, a resident of Jardines del Pedregal for now 50 years, dedicated himself to the preservation and restoration of original Modernist houses in the area, deepening his understanding of the essence of Jardines del Pedregal and Barragan's vision. In 2013, when the Prieto-López family chose to sell their estate, Cervantes eagerly seized the chance to acquire the property, fully aware that restoring it would be an exhaustive labor of love.

He spent an entire year simply inhabiting the house, immersing himself in its history and character. During this time, Cervantes engaged with individuals involved in all aspects of its original design and accessed resources from the privately owned Barragan Foundation archive in Switzerland. This groundwork set the stage for a four-year restoration journey, collaborating with some of the world’s leading professionals to meticulously return Casa Pedregal to its original midcentury glory. 

César will share his remarkable journey of restoration and the profound connection he formed with the home throughout this transformative experience. His dedication not only revitalized an important piece of architectural history, one of Mexico's greatest Modernist masterpieces but also honored Barragán's enduring legacy in the realm of Modernist design.

$18

1.0 AIA LU (Pending Approval)

Things To KnowAges 13 and older
This is an indoor activity
Wheelchair accessible
Parking and handicap parking available
Seated activity
No smoking or e-cigarettes

Important InformationThe entrance to the Annenberg Theater is located behind the Annenberg Theater Box Office, adjacent to the Palm Springs Art Museum's North Parking Lot.
Ample free public parking is available in the multi-level public garage across from the Palm Springs Art Museum.
The organizer of this event is Modernism Week Annenberg Theater Activity.

Check-in Location Palm Springs Art Museum
101 N Museum Dr
Palm Springs, CA 92262View Map

Photo Credits: Tetetlan, Casa Pedregal {"locationAddressVisibility":"visible"}