Summary

The website content details a personal journey exploring the mid-century modern architecture at the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) in Mexico City, highlighting its significance in art and design.

Abstract

The article titled "Mexican Travel Surprise" delves into the author's fascination with mid-century modern architecture, particularly in Mexico City at the UNAM campus. The author, with a passion for architectural photography from the mid-20th century, embarks on a quest to document the era's signage and architecture, leading them to the vibrant metropolis of Mexico City. The piece describes the author's transition from photographing neon signs along Route 66 to seeking out global mid-century architectural marvels, eventually landing in Mexico City after learning about the influx of Americans relocating there. The UNAM campus is presented as a treasure trove of architectural gems, featuring unique buildings with murals by renowned Latin American artists, and designs influenced by European modernists like Le Corbusier. The campus's architecture is celebrated for its blend of functionality, aesthetics, and cultural symbolism, making it a bucket-list destination for enthusiasts of modern design and photography.

Opinions

The author expresses an obsession with architectural photography, particularly mid-century modern design.
Mexico is acknowledged for its post-WWII government initiatives in the arts, which have contributed to the country's rich cultural offerings.
The author's curiosity about the surge of Americans moving to Mexico City led to their discovery of the city's cultural and architectural wealth.
UNAM's campus is highly recommended as a destination for its superior mid-century modern design with a Mexican twist.
The murals at UNAM are considered world-class and an underappreciated

Mexican Travel Surprise

Art and Architecture Meet at a Mexico City University Campus

World-class mid-century modern wonderland

Mid-twentieth-century modern designed architecture at UNAM, *Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. Photo by Matthew Bamberg*

Mexico is a surprising country in terms of the post-WWII effort the government has initiated in the arts.

I wanted to find out for myself what exactly the deal was with so many Americans relocating to Mexico City. I had a hunch that some of the finest culture, history, art, and cuisine were to be savored in the sprawling metropolis.

Traveling in Search of Modern Utopia

Over the years I have become somewhat obsessed with architectural photography, primarily from the middle of the last century.

My goal over the past two decades was to document any leftover signage from all over the world that was erected from the 1920s to the 80s.

At first, it was just neon monuments (colorful during the day and flashing gifts by nightfall) that I wanted to visit and photograph.

These journeys led me down Route 66 in the early 2000s.

That infestation of curiosity grew into craving visits to as many mid-century architectural spots around the world that have not succumbed to the wrecking ball.

Shortly thereafter, I relocated to Palm Springs, a place synonymous with mid-century modern.

A Bucket List of Mid-Twentieth-Century Architecture Destinations

Next, I wanted to conquer the world of mid-twentieth-century architecture in places where it hasn’t been seen and written about ad nauseam in many United States publications, art galleries, museums and gift shops.

I traveled almost everywhere all at once over the next few years, encountering architectural gems that I have only imagined in dreams.

Mexico City had not been on my bucket list until reading about large numbers of people flocking there.

Before I knew it I was there, encountering one of the most engaging cities I’ve ever visited.

I took a tour of the Coyoacán neighborhood in Mexico City, finding a treasure trove of twentieth-century art history that included the home of artist Frida Kahlo.

On the tour, I asked the guide where I might find a cluster of mid-century modern architecture.

Instantly he reacted saying. “Go to the university. You’ll love it.”

The next day I experienced twentieth-century design superiority with a Mexican flare at UNAM, the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México.

The unique buildings at the university soared into the sky in different directions, angled and curved steel, glass, and stone.

The reward: murals on select structures by some of the most talented artists in Latin America.

Mid-Century Modern Building Murals at UNAM

**Juan O´Gorman ‘s stone mural covers all sides of UNAM’s library. Photo by Matthew Bamberg**

The large university campus in the unique bohemian neighborhood of Coyoacán contained a collection of world-class murals few tourists to Mexico City ever see.

The campus contains a number of unique works by stone artists whose works are a primary feature of many of the campus buildings.

UNAM’s library is a symbolic display of Mexico’s cultural transformation from pre-Columbian to Spanish colonial eras.

Stilts a-la Le Corbusier

The concept of using stilts leaves open-air spaces for strolling and viewing gardens. Photo by Matthew Bamberg

French architect Le Corbusier added stilts as a signature modern design to lift buildings up from the ground.

At UNAM, stilts are one of the many designs modeled after European designers in order to create ground-level views of mountain gardens that extend through many of the structures of the campus.

Curves

Finally, UNAM features a few buildings with curves, which are common in modern buildings around the world.

Art combined with architecture are fabulous features of UNAM, making it a must-see destination for any architectural or photography buff.