In her latest book, Su Wu, a writer and curator based in Mexico City, delves into the enduring impact of pre-Hispanic architectural and design principles on contemporary Mexican residential aesthetics. Titled "Mesoamerican Modern: Ancient Ideas in Contemporary Mexican Homes," the publication highlights 16 unique residences across Mexico, capturing the essence of these spaces through the lens of photographer Luis Garvan. Wu's journey began with the observation that Indigenous concepts are not relics of the past but a vibrant, living force in Mexico's current design landscape, a realization that shifted her initial perception from documenting history to celebrating its continuous evolution.
A prime example of this convergence is Casa Flora, the Merida residence and studio of Mexican fashion designer Carla Fernández. This colorful, brutalist structure serves as a testament to Fernández’s dedication to preserving and integrating Indigenous textile traditions into modern contexts. Through collaborations with artisans, she translates ancient practices into contemporary fashion and design, filling Casa Flora with Mesoamerican art and textiles. The home, renovated by Fernández herself, also functions as Taller Flora, a workshop dedicated to traditional Indigenous clothing techniques, and is available for public stays, further embedding its cultural significance into everyday experience. Her husband, artist Pedro Reyes, contributed several key elements to the space, including an outdoor concrete shower and various tiles. His sculptural pieces, such as the Mitla Sillas—chairs inspired by the pyramids of the Mitla archaeological site in Oaxaca—are thoughtfully placed throughout the home, blending art with architecture. Wu notes that Casa Flora beautifully illustrates the Mesoamerican architectural concept of the 'void,' where patios create a fluid boundary between interior and exterior, symbolizing a transition between psychological states rather than physical barriers.
Ultimately, Wu underscores a crucial lesson from Casa Flora: the value of handmade objects. As chef Elena Reygadas articulates in the book's foreword, precious handcrafted items are meant to be lived with and experienced daily, not merely admired. This philosophy resonates throughout the featured homes, where every detail, from iron doors to silk curtains and wool bedspreads, tells a story of heritage and craftsmanship. The book celebrates a dynamic interplay between ancient wisdom and contemporary living, inviting us to appreciate the richness that emerges when tradition is woven into the fabric of modern life.