South Palm Canyond Drive in Palm Springs, CA with palm trees and Modernism Week banner

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.

Photo Credits: Tetetlan, Casa Pedregal

Location & Attendee Information

  • What are the appropriate ages for this activity?Person Ages 13 and older
  • What are the mobility considerations for this activity?Person walking Seated activity
  • What type of parking is available?Car Parking & handicap parking available
  • Is this an indoor or outdoor activity?Sun Indoor activity
  • What is the policy regarding smoking?Cigarette with smoke No smoking or e-cigarettes
  • What type of ADA accessibility is available?Wheelchair Wheelchair accessible

View more Films & Lectures

  • Dueling Visions: Six Moon Hill and Twin Palms "Early Midcentury Modern Communities on the East and West Coasts"

    Six Moon Hill near Boston is celebrated as an early midcentury enclave as is Twin Palms in Palm Springs, CA. Architects and experts in MCM restoration, Colin Flavin and Tim Techler, compare them.

    Activity Date(s)Calendar
    Feb 14th
  • What Was the Bauhaus? Its Legacy is Both Universal and Universally Misunderstood

    The Bauhaus, founded in Germany 100 years ago, lasted only 14 years before the Nazis closed it. Yet its innovative legacy transformed art, design, and architecture for decades to come.

    Activity Date(s)Calendar
    Feb 15th
  • Survival Through Restoration: Neutra’s Legacy in Palm Springs

    Alan Hess in conversation with Beth Edwards Harris on restoring Kaufmann Residence and Catherine Meyler on restoring Grace Miller House, and their contributions to Richard Neutra's legacy in Palm Springs.

    Activity Date(s)Calendar
    Feb 14th

Even More To Do At Modernism Week