In 1972, Francisco Artigas self-published a large-format book showcasing his architectural work, intended as a business gift. This lavish, oversized volume (measuring approximately 41 x 41 cm) was printed in an edition of 2,000 copies and includes an introduction by Californian architecture critic Esther McCoy. The exquisite 186-page edition juxtaposes vibrant photographs by Roberto and Fernando Luna with simple black-and-white floor plans and sections, offering a sweeping visual survey of suburban villas, country homes, public buildings, hotels, and public schools designed by the self-taught architect. Among the most emblematic are nearly 50 private residences built in El Pedregal de San Ángel, a distinctive neighborhood in southern Mexico City developed from scratch by Luis Barragán atop a striking volcanic landscape.
The book’s elaborate photographic staging—and the subtle tension between the optimistic, cosmopolitan tone of the urban homes and the more conservative atmosphere of the rural estates—reflects the complexity of a Mexican society where international aspirations coexist with traditional upper-class lifestyles.
To present selected images from this remarkable publication on LIGA-ARCHIVOS, we created a photographic reproduction of the original volume. The images by Roberto and Fernando Luna were digitized by Arturo Arrieta using a full-frame digital camera in August 2020, with the kind permission of the Luna family. We extend our sincere thanks to Lucio Muniain for generously lending his copy of the book for this process.