Torres de Satélite (collaboration with Luis Barragán and Jesús Reyes Ferreira) 

The Torres de Satélite were made by Mathias Goeritz with the collaboration of Luis Barragán and Jesús Reyes Ferreira, using reinforced concrete. These colorful, monumental forms were originally conceived as part of a plan to create a modern, upscale suburban development. The use of concrete is key. This is not the smooth, refined concrete of the International Style, but rather a raw, textured surface that reveals the process of its making. You can see the marks of the wooden forms used to cast the concrete, giving the towers a tactile quality. This material choice speaks to the social context of the project: concrete is a relatively inexpensive and readily available material, perfect for rapid construction. The towers rise high above the landscape, acting as beacons for the new suburb. In their massing, these shapes evoke pre-Columbian pyramids, giving the development a sense of rootedness in Mexican history. And yet, they are also undeniably modern, products of industrial processes and the needs of a rapidly urbanizing society. It's a fascinating combination of influences, reflecting the complex social and cultural landscape of mid-century Mexico. Goeritz’s engagement with industrial materials allows us to reflect on the connections between artistic expression, modern architectural practices and the socioeconomic context in which they were produced.