GoKawiilNew book 'Mesoamerican Modern' links Mexico's ancient and modern architecture
Author Su Wu has published a book proposing a new framework for understanding Mexican architecture, arguing it should be viewed as a continuum connecting pre-Columbian traditions with contemporary design rather than as separate eras. The work draws on examples like Mexico City, where Aztec ruins, colonial buildings, early 20th-century townhouses, Art Deco apartments, and modern skyscrapers coexist within blocks of each other.
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The framing could influence how architects, historians, and critics discuss Mexican design, pushing back against views that treat indigenous and modern influences as disconnected. It may also shape broader conversations about how former colonial nations narrate architectural identity across historical periods.
- Su Wu's book proposes 'Mesoamerican Modern' as a new lens for Mexican architecture.
- It argues ancient and contemporary design traditions are interconnected rather than separate.
- Mexico City's layered architectural history—from Aztec ruins to modern skyscrapers—illustrates the thesis.
Mesoamerican Modern by Su Wu — If this exploration of Mexican architecture piqued your curiosity, the book itself dives deeper into how ancient Mesoamerican traditions shape contemporary design. It's a beautifully illustrated read that connects history and modern aesthetics, perfect for architecture and design enthusiasts alike.
See Mesoamerican Modern by Su Wu on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: fastcompany.com, 2026-10-26
Published there as: “‘Mesoamerican Modern’ redefines how we understand Mexican architecture”
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